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Naturalistic Film-Based Memory: Links to Tau Burden, LC Integrity, and Network Dynamics

Award Number: F31AG104762
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/16/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 09/15/2029

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Naturalistic Film-Based Memory: Links to Tau Burden, LC Integrity, and Network Dynamics - PROJECT SUMMARY Episodic memory is among the earliest cognitive functions affected by aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with subtle deficits often emerging before clinical diagnosis. Two key biomarkers of early AD pathology including tau accumulation and locus coeruleus (LC) degeneration have been independently associated with episodic memory impairment. While these biomarkers have been linked to well-established traditional neuropsychological assessments, there remains a critical gap in understanding how AD pathological changes are associated with naturalistic methods, such as use of movie stimuli. Using movie stimuli as a naturalistic approach to assess memory may help us understand how memory works in everyday life, bridging the gap between traditional measures and real-life cognitive experiences. In parallel, hippocampus and identified high order networks, including default mode and frontoparietal networks support cognitive processes during movie watching, such as attentional and narrative perception. Moreover, tau pathology tends to accumulate across functionally connected areas that support memory processes even in cognitively unimpaired individuals. The extent to which AD pathological changes are associated with functional connectivity assessed using movie-watching fMRI remains understudied. This project uniquely integrates naturalistic, movie stimuli alongside multimodal neuroimaging including structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) to investigate associations between AD pathology, film-based memory and hippocampal-cortical network coupling in cognitively unimpaired older adults. This project will be using an existing dataset (N=76). Aim 1 will investigate associations between tau pathology, LC integrity and film-based memory recall. Tau pathology will be detected and measured using the second-generation PET tracer [18F]MK-6240. Primary analysis will focus on the [18F]MK-6240 standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) in the hippocampus given that it is a critical region and center of memory formation. Aim 2 will characterize hippocampal-cortical network functional connectivity during movie-watching and examine its associations with tau pathology. All analysis will include covariates namely age, sex, education and time delay between movie watching and recall. This proposal will provide the applicant with unique training in (1) episodic memory systems and naturalistic approaches to studying memory, (2) advanced neuroimaging techniques, (3) quantitative and qualitative analyses, (4) scientific communication and career development skills. Brandeis University and the Massachusetts General Hospital provide exceptional faculty, neuroimaging facilities, and professional development opportunities. Dr. Anne Berry (sponsor) and Dr. Angela Gutchess (co-sponsor) have expertise in aging, memory systems, structural and functional MRI and PET. Completion of the proposed project and training plan will support the PI in successful pursuit of a biomedical career studying memory changes in aging and pre-clinical AD.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $36,440 )
2026	2026	BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY	415 SOUTH ST	WALTHAM	MA	02453	MIDDLESEX	USA	Aging Research	001	1	9/16/2026	NEW	$0
2026	2026	BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY	415 SOUTH ST	WALTHAM	MA	02453	MIDDLESEX	USA	Aging Research	000	1	9/16/2026	NEW	$36,440
														Subtotal = $36,440

Grand Total All Awards = $36,440

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Naturalistic Film-Based Memory: Links to Tau Burden, LC Integrity, and Network Dynamics

Award Number: F31AG104762

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/16/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 09/15/2029

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