The aim of this research proposal is to study the neurobiological substrates of short-term memory by comparing two groups of neuropsychological patients. Both patients with anterior (prefrontal cortex) lesions and conduction aphasics with posterior (temporo-parietal cortex) lesions exhibit short-term memory deficits. It is hypothesized that the two groups' deficits arise from impairment in different components of short-term memory. To assess this hypothesis, the two patient groups and elderly controls will be administered a series of tasks requiring short-term memory. These tasks will vary along several dimensions, such as the domain of the task (verbal versus spatial). Findings from this research will illuminate understanding of normal short-term memory processes as well as identify the brain regions mediating those processes. In addition, this research has implications for treatment (e.g., cognitive rehabilitation) of patients with similar brain injuries and cognitive deficits.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32MH011858-03
Application #
6391655
Study Section
Perception and Cognition Review Committee (PEC)
Program Officer
Goldschmidts, Walter L
Project Start
2001-06-10
Project End
Budget Start
2001-06-10
Budget End
2002-06-09
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$43,772
Indirect Cost
Name
East Bay Institute for Research and Education
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Martinez
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94553
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Power, John M; Wu, Wendy W; Sametsky, Evgeny et al. (2002) Age-related enhancement of the slow outward calcium-activated potassium current in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in vitro. J Neurosci 22:7234-43