Brain scans and blood/genetic markers linking concussion to Alzheimer's and dementia
Neuroimaging and molecular markers of AD and neurodegenerative disease after concussion
Researchers will use brain imaging, blood tests, and genetic data to learn how past concussions may increase the chance of Alzheimer's and related dementias for people with head injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310505 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, doctors will collect your medical history about past concussions and ask for blood samples to measure Alzheimer’s-related markers and genetic signals. You would also have brain imaging to measure cortical thickness and other changes, plus brief memory and thinking tests. The team will combine pathway-level genetic risk scores with imaging and blood measures to see which biological routes make concussions more likely to lead to dementia. The goal is to find specific molecular and imaging signs that show who is most at risk after a concussion.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) who are willing to give blood, undergo MRI brain scans, and complete cognitive testing.
Not a fit: People without a history of head injury or those unable or unwilling to travel to the study site, get MRI scans, or provide blood samples are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people with prior concussions who are at higher risk for Alzheimer's so they can receive earlier monitoring or preventive care.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies link TBI to higher dementia risk and show promise for imaging and blood biomarkers, but combining pathway-specific genetic risk scores with post-concussion imaging and molecular markers is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hayes, Jasmeet Pannu — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Hayes, Jasmeet Pannu
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 below.