NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Creating models to understand brain damage and dementia after injuries

Official title: Developing Gyrencephalic Models of TBI-Induced ADRD Neuropathology

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10933868 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries might be connected to Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, and it's designed to help people understand how these injuries can lead to memory problems in the future, which could lead to better treatments and prevention strategies.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startAugust 15, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$3,102,638
NIH project number1RF1NS138030-01
Project IDNIH-10933868 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries, particularly those with a history of contact sports participation.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not experienced any form of traumatic brain injury or those with other unrelated forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its link to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By developing new models that mimic the complex brain changes following TBI, the researchers aim to explore the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration. The study will utilize various injury scenarios to replicate real-world conditions, allowing for a better understanding of how these injuries can lead to dementia. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could inform future treatments and preventive strategies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from dementia related to traumatic brain injuries.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the relationship between TBI and neurodegeneration, but this approach to developing gyrencephalic models is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Johnson, Victoria Eleanor — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Johnson, Victoria Eleanor

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.