Scientists probe Brain's memory hub to unlock secrets of forgetfulness
NCT ID NCT06540976
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Sep 17, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looks at a part of the brain called the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) to understand how it helps us make memory-based decisions, like recognizing a picture we've seen before. Researchers will record brain activity from 130 epilepsy patients who already have brain monitoring as part of their treatment. The goal is to learn how the PCC supports memory, which could eventually help explain memory problems in diseases like Alzheimer's.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could reveal how memory retrieval works in the brain, potentially guiding future treatments for memory problems in Alzheimer's or schizophrenia.
- What could go wrong
- This is a basic science study, not a treatment trial. It involves only 130 participants with epilepsy, so findings may not apply to everyone. The research is early and may not lead to direct therapies.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 130 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2023
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 50 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * All participants are patients undergoing invasive brain monitoring for epilepsy and will be asked to consent to participation in this basic science protocol (which is focused on the patient group but is not focused on the study of epilepsy). Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals not undergoing invasive brain monitoring for epilepsy. * Individuals outside of the age range (18-50 yrs). * Individuals with cognitive impairment or intellectual difficulty.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania - Pavilion
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can lavender and lullabies help kids with epilepsy sleep better?
- Reading the Brain's signals to predict who benefits from deep brain stimulation
- Can a Comfort-Focused education program improve life with epilepsy?
- Can video games rewire young brains after injury?
- High-Fat Diet's effect on epilepsy: scientists track brain signals
- Epilepsy drug candidate put to the test in healthy volunteers