Memory loss following neurological damage
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A controlled cognitive neuropsychological study of memory loss in neurological patients following focal lesions to either the extended medial temporal lobe or the extended midline diencephalic memory structures.
IRAS ID
230289
Contact name
Nicola Edelstyn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Keele University
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Memories of events from our past can last a lifetime, whereas other experiences are difficult to recall but if recounted by another, may feel familiar (“episodic memory”).
We can also plan for the future, and remember to perform these activities over a short or long time frame for example, to leave the house at 15.15 go to the travel agent to book a holiday (“prospective memory”).
Both forms of memory share some common processes, and depend, to some extent, on overlapping brain areas. This implies that episodic and prospective memory are each capable of separate impairment if non-overlapping brain areas are damaged, or joint impairment if shared brain areas are disrupted.
The purpose of our research is to address as yet unresolved questions about the nature and extent of overlapping brain areas and shared processes between episodic and prospective memory.
Increasing this evidence-base has clinical relevance. A brain-scan for instance showing damage to brain areas involved in episodic and or prospective memory will help inform rehabilitation programmes, and educate patients and family about the nature and extent of memory problems. This are important issues, as left unresolved, memory disorder can cause embarrassment in social settings, leading to social withdrawal, social isolation, loneliness and depression.
In this study, we are looking to recruit adults with a memory problem resulting from damage to a small area of the brain which may occur following a stroke or neurosurgery. People with a progressive brain condition such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease are not eligible to take part, as these conditions involve degeneration in multiple brain areas.
Individuals will be identified from neurology clinics at the University Hospital of North Midlands, invited to attend a maximum of 5 x 60 minute research sessions in the School of Psychology, Keele University. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0296
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion