Understanding how decision-making affects memory in humans
The Computational and Neural Mechanisms Linking Decision-making and Memory in Humans
NA · Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT06072378
This study is trying to see how the choices we make affect our memory, especially in people with mental health issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (New Brunswick, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT06072378 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates the relationship between decision-making and memory by using a dual-task paradigm that examines how choices influence immediate recognition memory. The study combines computational modeling with direct brain recordings from epilepsy patients undergoing clinically indicated procedures. Researchers will analyze local field potentials and single neuron activity in various brain regions to uncover the neurocomputational mechanisms that link these cognitive processes. The goal is to enhance our understanding of how decision-making impacts memory recall, particularly in individuals with psychiatric disorders.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include epilepsy patients who have non-responsive seizure activity and are undergoing intracranial EEG procedures.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of psychosis or active suicidal ideation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for individuals with memory impairments associated with psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of combining decision-making and memory through direct brain recordings is novel, related studies have shown promise in understanding cognitive processes in epilepsy patients.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Has seizure activity which is deemed non-responsive to standard pharmacological intervention(s), as determined by treating Neurologist and established clinical practices * Has elected to receive clinically indicated intracranial EEG (electrocorticography (ECoG), stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG)) and/or temporal responsive neurostimulation (RNS) for medication-refractory epilepsy outside of this research study, as determined by treating clinician(s) and per current clinical practice * Capacity to provide written informed consent * Language proficiency in English or Spanish * Willing and able to comply with all study-related procedures Exclusion Criteria: * History of psychosis, such as in the context of depressive or manic episode. * Active suicidal ideation with intent, suicide attempt within the last six months, or other serious suicide risk * Inability to provide informed consent or reliably participate in study assessments, as per the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA; score \< 26) or in the opinion of the evaluating neuropsychologist. * Individuals unwilling or unable to undergo electrode implantation procedures * Medical contraindications to neurosurgery or for general anesthesia, neurosurgery, or an MRI scan (required for electrode implantation) * Neurological disorder other than epilepsy or other significant brain pathology, if contraindicated in the opinion of implanting neurosurgeon. * Women who are pregnant
Where this trial is running
New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School — New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Salman E Qasim, PhD — Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai
- Study coordinator: Salman E Qasim, PhD
- Email: salman.qasim@mssm.edu
- Phone: 212-824-9531
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Memory, Short-Term