NIH-funded research R21 grant

Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging WTC Responders

Official title: Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging World Trade Center Responders

Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11578595 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This project follows World Trade Center responders as they age to understand how PTSD symptoms relate to changes in thinking skills over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University New York Stony Brook
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stony Brook, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$230,155
NIH project number1R21OH013159-01
Project IDNIH-11578595 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Older World Trade Center responders with a history of PTSD or PTSD symptoms who are part of the WTC Health Program.

Less likely to help

Some individuals may not experience noticeable changes in PTSD or cognition during the study period.

What this research studies

As World Trade Center responders age, researchers will track PTSD symptoms and objective cognitive tests over several years to see if worsening PTSD mirrors declines in cognitive function. The study uses yearly assessments from a long-running cohort, focusing on how aging affects the PTSD-cognition link. The findings could highlight when clinicians should screen for cognitive changes in relation to PTSD trajectories and inform personalized care for older responders. Participants will contribute cognitive tests and PTSD questionnaires during routine follow-ups and may benefit from earlier detection of cognitive issues related to trauma history.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to earlier identification and management of cognitive problems associated with PTSD in aging responders.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows PTSD and cognitive impairment are linked in this population, but dynamic, within-person changes over time are not well understood.

Where this research is happening

  • State University New York Stony Brook
    Stony Brook, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mann, Frank D — State University New York Stony Brook
  • Study coordinator: Mann, Frank D

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.