Neural Correlates of Real World Spatial Navigation in Humans

Summary

The purpose of this study is to understand the neural mechanisms that support real world spatial navigation in humans using deep brain recordings and stimulation during virtual reality (VR), augmented reality, and real world memory tasks. We will determine the cognitive (i.e., memory) and behavioral (i.e., body, head, eye position and movement) factors that modulate deep brain activity and the consequent effects of memory-enhancing deep brain stimulation.

Conditions

• Memory, Delayed

Interventions

DEVICE

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation will be used

BEHAVIORAL

Memory and spatial navigation tasks

Tasks may include walking around the room, on a treadmill, or in a controlled environment using VR (virtual reality) or AR (augmented reality) technology designed to simulate real-world navigation. Participants may also use Meta Ray-Ban glasses to capture new memories while recording neural activity.

BEHAVIORAL

Physiological Signals

Physiological signals such as heart rate, respiration, and skin conductance will be monitored while completing lab tasks. Motion capture and eye-tracking may also be used.

BEHAVIORAL

Questionnaires and Assessments

Participants complete questionnaires and assessments to assess subjective emotional experience.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

  collaborator NIH

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

  collaborator NIH

• Duke University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Nanthia Suthana, PhD · University of California, Los Angeles

• Nanthia Suthana, PhD · Duke University

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

12 Years

Max Age

70 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2020-09-30

Primary Completion

2026-06-30

Completion

2026-06-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations