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Roberto Cabeza

Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience
Psychology & Neuroscience
Duke Box 90999, Durham, NC 27708-0999
B243F LSRC Bldg, Ctr Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke Univ, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


My laboratory investigates the neural correlates of memory and cognition in young and older adults using fMRI. We have three main lines of research: First, we distinguish the neural correlates of various episodic memory processes. For example, we have compared encoding vs. retrieval, item vs. source memory, recall vs. recognition, true vs. false memory, and emotional vs. nonemotional memory. We are particularly interested in the contribution of prefrontal cortex (PFC) and medial temporal lobe (MTL) subregions and their interactions. Second, we investigate similarities and differences between the neural correlates of episodic memory and other memory and cognitive functions (working, semantic, implicit, and procedural memory; attention; perception, etc.). The main goal of this cross-functional approach is to understand the contributions of brain regions shared by different cognitive functions. Finally, in both episodic memory and cross-function studies, we also examine the effects of healthy and pathological aging. Regarding episodic memory, we have linked processes differentially affected by aging (e.g., item vs. source memory, recall vs. recognition) to the effects of aging on specific PFC and MTL subregions. Regarding cross-function comparisons, we identify age-related changes in activity that are common to various functions. For example, we have found an age-related increase in bilaterality that occurs for many functions (memory, attention, language, perception, and motor) and is associated with functional compensation.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience · 2007 - Present Psychology & Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences · 2021 - Present Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Member of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience · 2001 - Present Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
Affiliate of the Center for Brain Imaging and Analysis · 2007 - Present Duke-UNC Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Institutes and Centers
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences · 2008 - Present Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, University Institutes and Centers
Faculty Research Scholar of DuPRI's Center for Population Health & Aging · 2011 - Present Center for Population Health & Aging, Duke Population Research Institute
Affiliate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society · 2014 - Present Duke Science & Society, University Initiatives & Academic Support Units

In the News


Published August 5, 2021
Imagination Exercise Helps People Get a Grip on Real Pandemic Risks
Published November 17, 2014
Seniors Draw on Extra Brainpower for Shopping

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Recent Publications


Insight predicts subsequent memory via cortical representational change and hippocampal activity.

Journal Article Nature communications · May 2025 The neural mechanisms driving creative problem-solving, including representational change and its relation to memory, still remain largely unknown. We focus on the creative process of insight, wherein rapid knowledge reorganization and integration-termed r ... Full text Cite

The neural basis of the insight memory advantage.

Journal Article Trends in cognitive sciences · March 2025 Creative problem solving and memory are inherently intertwined: memory accesses existing knowledge while creativity enhances it. Recent studies show that insights often accompanying creative solutions enhance long-term memory. This insight memory advantage ... Full text Cite

Subsequent Memory Effects in Cortical Pattern Similarity Differ by Semantic Class.

Journal Article J Cogn Neurosci · January 2, 2025 Although living and nonliving stimuli are known to rely on distinct brain regions during perception, it is largely unknown if their episodic memory encoding mechanisms differ as well. To investigate this issue, we asked participants to encode object pictur ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Duke/UNC ADAR Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Behavior and Physiology in Aging

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute on Aging · 2015 - 2025

Effects of Healthy Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment on Memory Representations

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2021 - 2025

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Tsukuba (Japan) · 1994 Ph.D.

External Links


Cabeza Laboratory