RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07217652

Investigating Mediodorsal Thalamus Representations Underlying Human Cognitive Flexibility

Sponsor

Kai Hwang

Enrollment

100 participants

Start Date

Dec 1, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Schizophrenia Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity (ADHD)

Summary

The goal of this basic experimental research study is to examine how the human thalamus supports flexible thinking and behavior. Specifically, the research aims to elucidate how the mediodorsal (MD) thalamus encodes and updates "context"-the mental framework that determines which rules or actions are relevant in a given situation. This work may contribute to understanding why certain psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia and ADHD, involve difficulties with cognitive flexibility and control. The primary research questions are: Does the MD thalamus represent the context that organizes how working memory guides task selection? Does the MD thalamus signal when context needs to be updated after a change in task demands? Do these thalamic representations support generalization to new situations or rules? Participants will complete cognitive tasks while undergoing high-resolution brain imaging using 7-Tesla MRI. The investigators will combine behavioral data, computational modeling, and advanced neuroimaging analyses to examine how the thalamus interacts with the cortex during flexible decision-making.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 35 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is using brain imaging (MRI) to understand how a part of the brain called the mediodorsal thalamus helps people switch between different mental tasks — a skill called cognitive flexibility. This is a research study focused on understanding how healthy brains work. **You may be eligible if...** - You have no history of neurological, psychiatric, or medical conditions that affect thinking - You have normal or corrected-to-normal vision and normal color perception - You are fluent in English - You do not have metal implants, pacemakers, or other MRI-incompatible devices - You do not have claustrophobia or breathing problems **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You use benzodiazepines, long-acting opioids, or other medications that affect cognition - You have any metal in your body (implants, joint replacements, surgical clips, etc.) that is incompatible with MRI - You have a history of claustrophobia - You are currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant - You have non-removable body piercings or makeup Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERHigh-resolution fMRI during working memory, cognitive control, and decision-making tasks

Participants will perform a set of computerized cognitive tasks designed to test working memory, cognitive control, and decision-making while undergoing high-resolution 7-Tesla functional MRI. These tasks require participants to maintain and update contextual information, switch between rules, and make value-based choices under changing conditions. The intervention is distinguished by its integration of advanced neuroimaging with computational modeling to identify how the mediodorsal thalamus and prefrontal cortex represent, update, and generalize context. This approach allows precise mapping of thalamocortical mechanisms that support flexible cognition and goal-directed behavior.