Clinical Research Directory

Adaptation and Normalization of a Verbal Episodic Memory Test in French Sign Language

To date, neuropsychological assessment of deaf signing persons is complicated by a lack of resources, especially the absence of tools available in French Sign Language (LSF). This is due to perceptual and cultural differences, and in particular the linguistic differences between French and LSF. This lack of resources significantly hinders access to care for deaf patients, as neuropsychological assessment is often a key clinical criterion in the diagnosis of certain neurological pathologies (Alzheimer's disease in particular) and enables coherent care plans to be drawn up, for example in the aftermath of strokes or traumatic brain injuries. In particular, episodic memory (which refers to the ability to memorise information anchored in a specific context) is a cognitive domain that is sensitive to pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease, but it is not currently possible to assess it with deaf signing patients. The aim of this study is to create a memory assessment test adapted to a deaf population that expresses in LSF and to normalize this test on this same population. The aim is to provide a diagnosis assessment tool, which currently does not exist in France, to improve access to care for deaf people. This project could then be extended to the creation of tests for other cognitive domains (executive functions, attention, social cognition, etc.) and to prospects for cognitive remediation. The 16-item Free and Cued Recall test (RL-RI 16) is the best choice because it is easy to use and accurate enough to assess each stage of episodic memory. These qualities make it a decisive tool in certain differential diagnosis.

Examining Effects of a Therapeutic Focus on Positive Memories on Post-Trauma Health

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has devastating health consequences. Evidence-based PTSD interventions address the substantial burden of PTSD on the health of individuals and societies; however, several individuals receiving these interventions drop out and not all individuals experience improvement in PTSD symptoms. Moreover, these current PTSD interventions primarily target trauma memories. Notably, growing evidence suggests that PTSD symptoms are related to difficulties in the encoding and retrieving of positive memories as well. Thus, the proposed study will examine effects of and targets underlying a novel PTSD technique focused on narrating and detailing positive memories - Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT). Methodologically, 70 individuals will be randomly assigned to PPMT vs. Supportive Counseling (SC) for this study. The aims of the proposed study include (1) examining PPMT's effects on PTSD symptom severity and stress systems' dysregulation (i.e., awakening salivary alpha amylase \[sAA\] and cortisol); (2) examining mechanisms underlying PPMT's effects; and (3) refining PPMT. It is hypothesized that the PPMT arm will report greater decreases in PTSD severity and sAA/cortisol ratios. Further, it is hypothesized that PPMT-related improved affect will mediate the association between study arm (PPMT vs. SC) and changes in PTSD severity. Lastly, feedback will be obtained from study participants on PPMT's feasibility, format, and content to refine PPMT. The proposed study may contribute preliminary evidence on the potential significance of targeting positive memories in PTSD interventions.

Unconscious Mind Training

H22 - Unconscious Mind Training and Memory Encoding Phase 2.1 in progress. The core problem this clinical trial, H22, seeks to address is the pervasive challenge of modifying deeply ingrained, often unconscious, unwanted behaviors within the general population. Many individuals struggle with habits or actions that negatively impact quality of life, productivity, or well-being, yet conventional methods often fall short due to the unconscious nature of these behaviors. Specifically, the trial aims to investigate the efficacy of H22, a novel intervention designed to engage and train the unconscious mind, in mitigating these unwanted behaviors. The central hypothesis guiding this research is that H22 training will empower volunteers to significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of identified unwanted behaviors. Phase 1 Results: The trial took place in Shagamu, Nigeria, between July 25, 2026, and August 7, 2026. The study monitored 20 participants over a 14-day intervention period, evaluating their baseline assessment scores, end-of-week progress across Weeks 1 and 2, and their decisions regarding whether to continue integrating Study H22 into daily life. All 20 enrolled participants completed the full 14 days, yielding a 100% study retention rate. Participant scores improved significantly over the 14 days, increasing from a baseline average of 14.37 to 63.00 at Week 1, and reaching 99.40 by Week 2. At the conclusion of the trial, 85% of participants (17 of 20) chose to continue Study H22 in daily life.

Percepta for Cognitive Optimization

This Phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluates the cognitive and neurophysiological effects of a dietary supplement containing cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) bark extract and oolong tea extract, in adults aged 40-85 with self-reported mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study employs a decentralized design leveraging remote monitoring technologies. Participants will self-administer the study supplement or a matched placebo daily for 6 months. The primary outcome is cognitive performance assessed by digital Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at baseline, Month 3, and Month 6. Secondary outcomes include objective sleep and autonomic metrics from Oura Ring wearables (heart rate variability, sleep architecture) and self-reported brain health using the Brain Health Index. An exploratory sub-study will measure plasma biomarkers of neurodegeneration (pTau-217) at baseline and Month 6 in a subset of participants to explore potential mechanisms of action. The study aims to provide preliminary evidence for Percepta's efficacy in improving cognitive function and supporting brain health in individuals with MCI, while evaluating safety and biological plausibility through mechanistic biomarkers.

Autonomic Mechanisms of Sleep-dependent Memory Consolidation

The goal of the proposed project is to identify the impact vagal activity during sleep for memory formation. Nearly 100 years of research contends that sleep plays a critical role in memory consolidation (i.e. the transformation of recent experiences into stable, long-term memories), yet much of this literature has focused on the central nervous system and technologies like electroencephalography (EEG) to unpack neural correlates involved in memory processing. Sleep is also a unique period of autonomic variation and an expansive literature has indicated the critical importance of the autonomic nervous system for memory formation. This project would be amongst the first to examine the autonomic nervous system during sleep as a critical, causal pathway linking sleep to memory processing. The investigators will assess the impact of non-invasive, transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation on sleep and post-sleep memory performance. Autonomic physiology, including electrocardiography and impedance cardiography, will be gathered at baseline, before the memory task and continuously during sleep to examine vagal tone (i.e. heart rate variability) and sympathetic activation (i.e. pre-ejection period) in response to both active and sham stimulation conditions. Polysomnography will also be gathered during the nap to examine sleep architecture. The proposed research will address a critical gap in the literature by: 1) examining the causal role of the ANS for memory functioning in humans, 2) extending the current understanding of sleep's impact on memory processing, and 3) set the groundwork for novel, sleep-based interventions with the goal of improving cognitive health.

Synchronization of Theta to Influence Memory

This study aims to clarify relations between brain oscillations and two cognitive functions: cognitive control and memory.

Establishing Normal Cognitive Test Scores for Adults Using a Voice-Enabled Digital Testing Platform Across the Lifespan

Trial weblink: https://www.memoryexam.com/job/norms/ Participants enrolled in this study will complete a single-session, non-invasive, computerized cognitive assessment administered through a secure, web-based digital platform. The purpose of the study is to establish normative cognitive performance data from healthy adults aged 18-100 years and develop age-, sex-, and education-adjusted reference values for the digital assessment platform. This is an observational study and does not involve any therapeutic intervention, investigational treatment, or alteration of routine medical care. Following electronic informed consent, participants will complete a standardized screening questionnaire to determine eligibility. The questionnaire collects demographic information, education, English language proficiency, medical and neurological history, psychiatric history, medication use, substance use, sleep history, and self-reported cognitive concerns. Standardized mood screening instruments (PHQ-9 and GAD-7) are also administered. Individuals meeting predefined exclusion criteria that could significantly influence cognitive performance will not be included in the normative dataset. Eligible participants will then complete a digital cognitive assessment battery using standardized visual and auditory instructions. The platform utilizes automated voice-recognition technology to capture spoken responses and standardized algorithms to score performance, eliminating the need for examiner scoring and ensuring consistent administration across participants. Total study participation, including consent, screening, and testing, is approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The cognitive battery evaluates multiple cognitive domains commonly assessed during neuropsychological examinations. Language abilities are assessed through phonemic and semantic verbal fluency tasks, measuring the ability to rapidly generate words within specified categories. Confrontation naming is evaluated using digitally presented images that participants identify verbally. Learning and memory are assessed through immediate and delayed verbal recall tasks, including recognition memory measures. Attention and working memory are evaluated using forward and backward digit span tasks. Executive functioning and attention are further assessed using a brief computerized problem-solving task. Equivalent alternate versions of selected tasks may be administered to minimize practice effects while measuring the same cognitive domains. All assessments are brief, non-invasive, and completed using spoken responses. The platform automatically records participant responses, response timing, and scoring metrics. Voice recordings are collected solely to support automated scoring and quality assurance. All electronic data are transmitted using encrypted connections and stored within HIPAA-aligned cloud infrastructure. Personally identifiable information is stored separately from cognitive performance data using unique study identification numbers, and only authorized study personnel have access to identifiable information. De-identified data will be used to generate normative reference values. A subset of approximately 100 participants may be invited to complete a second assessment 2-4 weeks after the initial visit to evaluate test-retest reliability. Participation in this follow-up assessment is voluntary. Participants will not receive diagnostic results or individualized interpretations of their performance because the study is intended solely to establish normative reference data. If responses on the PHQ-9 suggest potential acute self-harm risk, the platform will provide crisis resources and notify the study team in accordance with the study safety procedures. The primary outcome of the study is the development of age-, sex-, and education-adjusted normative reference values for the digital cognitive assessment platform, supporting standardized interpretation of future assessments in clinical and research settings.

Use Muscadine Wine Nutraceuticals to Improve Brain Health, Cognition, and Mental Health

Previous studies have shown that polyphenol-rich foods can positively affect cognitive functions, memory, and mood in humans. We hypothesize that both acute and chronic intake of muscadine wine polyphenols will improve cognitive performance and mood through regulating the HPA axis, alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress, and/or inhibiting monoamine oxidase activities

Effect of Daily Mixed Spice Consumption on Memory Function

The aging process entails a multitude of structural and functional alterations within the brain, culminating in a gradual and progressive decline in cognitive function. Recent research has indicated that various spices may hold the key to enhancing brain health and combating the effects of aging on cognitive abilities. The hypothesis is that a mixture of spices, acknowledged for their reported memory protection potential, may yield a more potent beneficial effect on memory function than a single spice. The spice mixture will be used at culinary dose, and therefore side effects are anticipated. In this study, the effects of spice mixture will be evaluated, as well as their anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The proposed pilot study will include 50 adults (ages 50-80), exhibiting typical age-related mild cognitive decline, excluding dementia or major neurocognitive disorders. They will be randomized 1:1 assigned into a daily intake of either 4.00 g spice mixture capsules or 4.00 g maltodextrin capsules over 3 months, and explore the sustainable effect over 3 additional months. The changes in symptoms of cognition, fatigue, and mood symptoms of the spice group vs. placebo group will be compared. The outcome of the investigation of the effects of mixed spice consumption will provide important novel information on dietary recommendation of spice to preserve cognitive function in aging population.

Memory Enhancement in Aging With Closed-Loop tACS

This project optimizes high-resolution tACS to improve memory in healthy older adults, advancing drug-free approaches for ADRD. We test stimulation schedules and develop an adaptive, brain-guided tACS system to strengthen memory-supporting networks.

Memory Enhancement in Aging With Optimal Dosing

This project optimizes high-resolution transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) to improve memory in healthy older adults, advancing drug-free approaches for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD). We test stimulation schedules and develop an adaptive, brain-guided tACS system to strengthen memory-supporting networks.

MRI Neurofeedback and Brain Circuits Related to Motivation in Healthy Participants

The purpose of this research study is to understand how healthy individuals self-regulate motivation by observing brain activity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Basic Experimental Study of Hippocampal Memory Functions

This project tests the role of the human hippocampus in providing online representation of episodic content and providing the top-down signals to brain networks for visuospatial attention and visual processing needed to drive visual sampling for the formation of coherent episodic memories. This hypothesis will be tested in several experiments that measure and manipulate hippocampal activity within eye-tracking tasks designed to isolate the interplay between memory and visual sampling during memory formation. These experiments will be performed in individuals with epilepsy undergoing neurosurgical procedures as part of clinical care, as this provides invasive recordings of neural activity (intracranial electroencephalography, or "iEEG") from the hippocampus and other regions of interest with temporal resolution that matches the rapid pace of eye movements. The temporal resolution of iEEG is key to addressing the hypotheses concerning how the hippocampus drives visual sampling, in addition to responding to it. Direct electrical stimulation through the iEEG electrodes will also be used to test the necessary role of hippocampal processing in driving active visual sampling. By rigorously testing the role of hippocampus in interaction with large-scale networks during the process of memory formation that occurs via active sampling, this project aims to better understand mechanisms relevant to the disruptions of memory formation that occur in neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Effects of Physical Game Intervention on Memory, Attention, Gross Motor Skills and Social Adaptability in Children Aged 4-6 Years

This study aims to improve the memory, attention, gross motor skills and social adaptation ability of children aged 5 to 6 years. Taking physical games as the intervention method, it explores the effects of physical games on promoting young children's memory, attention, gross motor skills and social adaptation ability, and analyzes the approaches and mechanisms through which physical games enhance these abilities among children aged 4 to 6 years. The game scheme will be timely adjusted according to feedback obtained from a semester-long intervention. Finally, in collaboration with kindergarten teachers and the research team, a set of classroom-based physical game programs suitable for children aged 4 to 6 will be developed, so as to provide theoretical references and practical approaches for the improvement of the above abilities in preschool children of this age group. Smart physical game equipment is adopted and integrated into children's daily physical game classes to record and store children's sports data, establish individual archives of children's motor abilities, and realize real-time uploading, analysis and sharing of sports test results, enabling parents and teachers to keep abreast of children's physical exercise and motor development status in a timely manner.

Cannabis Observations on Brain Waves, Retrieval, and Attention: Experiment 4

This study investigates the impact of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on recognition memory in healthy, regular cannabis users. Participants complete the same recognition memory task after self-administering one of two different strains of cannabis flower one day and while not intoxicated another day. Event-related potentials (ERPs) are measured via electroencephalogram (EEG) during the recognition memory task. Blood is collected to quantify THC and CBD exposure. Participants also complete self-report measures of medical history, sleep quality, subjective cognitive function, physical activity, psychological functioning, substance use, and acute drug effects.

Validation and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B) in Individuals With Low Educational Level

This study aimed to evaluate the validity, reliability, and diagnostic accuracy of the Turkish version of MoCA-B in distinguishing healthy controls, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia patients within a low-education population.

Longitudinal Investigation of Sleep, Memory, and Brain Development Across the Nap Transition

To examine the relations between sleep (nap transitions, sleep physiology), memory, and brain development longitudinally, the researchers will assess n=180 children (in order to acquire n=152 usable data sets) who are 36-54 months of age and habitual nappers at enrollment. In each wave, the researchers will assess memory, memory change over a nap and equivalent waking interval, sleep physiology of the nap, and brain structure and function (using Magnetic Resonance Imagining or MRI). Additionally, overnight sleep physiology will be assessed in all participants. Waves will take place approximately every 6 months. For all children, three waves will be collected. With these data, the researchers will address the following aims: * Examine neural markers that predict the sleep transition (Aim 1); * Examine changes in sleep-dependent memory processing (mnemonic discrimination) over both nap and overnight sleep intervals, across the sleep transition (Aim 2); * Examine changes in sleep microstructure in both nap and overnight sleep across the sleep transition (Aim 3) * Examine interrelations among brain, memory and sleep microstructure across the sleep transition (Aim 4)

Cannabis Observations on Brain Waves, Retrieval, and Attention: Experiment 3

This study investigates the impact of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on recognition memory in healthy, regular cannabis users. Participants complete the same recognition memory task after self-administering one of two different strains of cannabis flower one day and while not intoxicated another day. Event-related potentials (ERPs) are measured via electroencephalogram (EEG) during the recognition memory task. Blood is collected to quantify THC and CBD exposure. Participants also complete self-report measures of medical history, sleep quality, subjective cognitive function, physical activity, psychological functioning, substance use, and acute drug effects.

A Clinical Trial to Investigate the Efficacy of the Brain Blossom Supplement to Improve Cognitive Function and Memory

This study evaluates the efficacy of BioNatureHealth's Brain Blossom supplement in improving cognitive function and memory in adults aged 50-70 years. Participants will be randomized to receive either the test product or placebo over 8 weeks, with cognitive battery testing and questionnaires administered at multiple timepoints.

Cognitive Effects of Bioavailable Curcumin

An estimated 50% of older adults complain of memory changes that worsen as they age. Although numerous commercially available dietary supplements claim cognitive benefits, relatively few well-designed, longitudinal, placebo-controlled studies have rigorously evaluated their effects on cognitive performance. In a previous double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 18-month clinical trial in middle-aged and older non-demented adults, the investigators found that a bioavailable form of curcumin taken orally twice a day showed greater gains on specific measures of memory and attention relative to placebo. Although the investigators found significant between-group curcumin/placebo differences with moderate effect sizes, the sample size (n=40) was small. The present adequately powered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study will evaluate the effect of daily consumption of bioavailable curcumin on measurable changes in cognitive performance in non-demented middle-aged and older adults.

Study of Low-intensity Focused Ultrasound Effects on Human Memory

This research project is examining the effects of noninvasive brain stimulation on human memory. This study will help to better understand noninvasive brain stimulation techniques that may have the potential to aid in memory dysfunction. Subjects will undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a computed tomography (CT) scan, to take pictures of their brain and skull. They will receive noninvasive brain stimulation using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) sound waves, to temporarily change brain activity. Their brain signals (MRI or EEG) will be monitored to measure changes in their brain signals. Their heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, eye movement and skin moisture will be monitored as well. They will complete neuropsychological batteries and memory tasks. They will complete questionnaires.

Non-Invasive Detection and Preservation of Neurocognitive Signals in the Peri-Death Period Using Brain-Computer Interface and Artificial Intelligence

Background: Recent electroencephalography (EEG) data indicate that the transition from clinical death to cellular death is marked by highly organized neurophysiological events, including significant surges in gamma-band power, cross-frequency coupling, and distinct spreading depolarization waves. This prospective, observational feasibility study utilizes rapid-deployment, high-density, noninvasive BCI hardware paired with proprietary AI analytics to detect, classify, and securely archive these terminal neurocognitive signals. Objectives: (1) Quantify transient gamma-band activity and cross-frequency connectivity post-clinical death; (2) Validate the efficacy of machine learning models for real-time signal classification in high-noise clinical environments; (3) Establish a highly secure, encrypted bio-informational archive of peri-life EEG data. Design: Prospective, open-label, multicenter, observational cohort (n\>20).

L-serine and Strength Training in the Elderly

This study investigates whether taking the amino acid L-serine, either alone or in combination with targeted strength training, can have a positive effect on mental performance, brain function, and physical fitness in older people. Healthy, independent women and men aged 65 to 85 are eligible to participate. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo, L-serine, or L-serine combined with strength training. Cognitive tests, physical performance tests, and blood and brain tests will be conducted over a period of 48 weeks. The aim is to gain a better understanding of how nutrition and exercise can contribute to healthy aging.

Prediction of Anxiety and Memory State

The purpose of this study is to look at how signals in the brain, body, and behavior relate to anxiety and memory function. This project seeks to develop the CAMERA (Context-Aware Multimodal Ecological Research and Assessment) platform, a state-of-the-art open multimodal hardware/software system for measuring human brain-behavior relationships. The R61 portion of the project is designed to develop the CAMERA platform, which will use multimodal, passive sensor data to predict anxiety-memory state in patients undergoing inpatient monitoring with intracranial electrodes for clinical epilepsy, as well as to build CAMERA's passive data framework and active data framework.