Decoding and Selective Modulation of Human Memory During Awake/Sleep Cycles

Decoding and Selective Modulation of Human Memory During Awake/Sleep Cycles

The proposed project seeks to elucidate memory processes and consolidation during sleep by leveraging the unique capability of direct recordings from the human brain at multiple levels of resolution-single neurons, localized neuronal assemblies, intracranial local field potentials-during rich behavioral tasks with real-life narratives and extracting neural features that relate to different aspects of episodic experience. The investigators will further probe causal mechanisms of consolidation by application of auditory and electrical stimulations during sleep and its effect on modulating memory processes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All epilepsy patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who undergo depth electrode placement for clinical purposes
• Eligibility is determined by the epilepsy surgery team (based on neuropsychological testing and on psychiatric evaluation)
• Willing to provide informed consent and participate the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neurological or psychiatric issues, other than epilepsy, that would put the patient at risk
• Patient is younger than 18 or older than 65 years of age
• Unwilling to provide informed consent