Background to the study

Neurological illness such as encephalitis can lead to problems with memory and perception that can profoundly reduce the quality of life. For example, they can cause problems with remembering recent events, forgetting to take medications, and can even lead to driving accidents. However, researchers are just beginning to understand which brain areas these diseases influence and which types of memory and visual abilities are most severely disrupted.

Aims of the study

The study aims to understand how these diseases impact different brain regions and different types of memory and perception. The results will be important in the developing rehabilitation strategies and drug treatments that can improve the lives of these individuals.

Who is running the study

Funded by The US National Institute of Health (NIH), ran by Professor Andrew Yonelinas, at the UC Davis Human Memory Lab,  University of California, Davis.

Who can take part in the study

• The study is based in the USA (Sacramento, San Francisco and outlying areas)
• People who have had encephalitis that has resulted in memory problems, such as problems remembering recent events, dates or names.
• Aged between 18-70 years of age
• This can include various forms of Limbic and viral encephalitis

What is involved in the study

The study will look at how you remember things you see and hear, and will use special tests to see what your brain is doing while you do these tasks. Participants are seen at the Human Memory Lab on the University of California Davis campus.

• Eligibility for the study is determined through a brief pre-screening interview that can be completed over the phone (10 minutes).
• The main study involves completing a set of paper-and-pencil and computer-based tests that assess memory and perception for various types of pictures and words (1-3 hours). This can be completed at the UC Davis campus or in the participant’s home if that is more convenient.
• If the participant is interested, they may also be invited to participate in a brain-scan study to examine brain activity that is completed on the UC campus (2hours).

The study does not involve changes to medications.

Participants are compensated for their time and effort, including transportation to the research lab.

How to find out more or get in touch

Visit the study recruitment webpage HERE to find out more.