# Characterizing and Remediating Recollection-specific Face Recognition Deficits in Developmental Prosopagnosia

> **NIH NIH R21** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2021 · $158,735

## Abstract

The goal of this proposal is to better characterize face recognition deficits in developmental prosopagnosia
(DP) and to further develop effective treatments. This is relevant to the National Eye Institute's mission to
better treat visual disorders and understand mechanisms of visual function. The particular goals of this
proposal are to better characterize face recollection deficits in DPs and to build upon our previous successes at
improving perceptual processing in DPs by incorporating repetition lag training, which targets enhanced face
encoding and improved recognition. We hypothesize that this combination training could allow improved
perceptual processing to better translate to improved face recognition and reduced symptoms of
prosopagnosia. Our aims for this proposal are to: 1) To examine the contribution of recollection and
familiarity to face recognition in DPs compared to controls; 2) To determine the effectiveness of combining our
validated perceptual training + repetition lag training vs. test-retest control; and 3) To compare the
effectiveness of perceptual training + repetition lag training to perceptual training only. To achieve these aims,
we propose to perform an in-lab study of 25 DPs and 50 matched controls, where we will use a process
dissociation procedure task to measure how recollection and familiarity support old/new face recognition in
DPs and controls. We also propose to perform a longitudinal web-based cognitive training study with 60 DPs
randomly assigned to three different arms: either 6 weeks of perceptual training, 4 weeks of perceptual
training + 2 weeks of repetition lag training, or test-retest waitlist control. Before and after training/waiting,
we will assess DPs on a validated online battery of face perception and recognition tests as well as self-
reported face recognition. To measure the longevity of potential training effects, DPs performing training will
also repeat assessments after a 6-week no-contact period.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10145702
- **Project number:** 5R21EY031000-02
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** Joseph Michael DeGutis
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $158,735
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-05-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10145702

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10145702, Characterizing and Remediating Recollection-specific Face Recognition Deficits in Developmental Prosopagnosia (5R21EY031000-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10145702. Licensed CC0.

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