NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery

Official title: DISCOVERY: Determinants of Incident Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on RecoverY

Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11621895 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 19, 2019
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$12,791,570
NIH project number4U19NS115388-07
Project IDNIH-11621895 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults who have recently experienced an acute stroke and are willing to participate in multi-site assessments and follow-up.

Less likely to help

Patients without access to follow-up care or those unable to participate in long-term assessments may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project brings together several clinical centers to study adults who have had a stroke, focusing on how age, sex, race, and various health conditions shape later cognitive outcomes. Researchers will track patients after stroke to identify factors that predict cognitive decline and dementia, including interactions with vascular and Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. The study will use advanced imaging, biomarkers, and standardized assessments to map trajectories and identify potential targets for personalized interventions and future trials. The DISCOVERY network seeks to translate findings into better prognostic tools and prevention strategies for PSCID, especially in underserved populations.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to personalized predictions of cognitive outcomes after stroke and new strategies to prevent PSCID.

How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows that post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia are common and influenced by vascular health and pre-existing brain pathology, supporting the potential for meaningful findings.

Where this research is happening

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rost, Natalia S — Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Rost, Natalia S

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.