Biobehavioral signatures of repetitive head impacts and aging-related dementia
Official title: Biobehavioral Signatures of Repetitive Head Impacts at the Intersection of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11528910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aging adults with a history of repetitive head impacts are being studied to understand how these exposures relate to brain changes and Alzheimer’s-related markers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $439,739 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG096359-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11528910 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older with a history of repetitive head impacts, particularly those at risk for or concerned about dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without a history of repetitive head impacts or those not at risk for dementia may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how past repetitive head impacts may affect brain health in older adults, especially in relation to Alzheimer’s disease markers. Researchers will explore inflammation, immune signaling, and limbic brain regions over time to identify key factors that link head injuries to cognitive decline. The study leverages a multi-site team and longitudinal data to map how these factors evolve and interact with aging and AD risk. The goal is to move toward more precise care for individuals with a history of head impacts who are aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve early identification and personalized interventions for people at risk of dementia linked to head injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown links between head impacts, inflammation, and brain changes, but this study aims to clarify mechanisms and regional vulnerability.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Asken, Breton M — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Asken, Breton M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.