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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $230,155 |
| NIH project number | 1R21OH013159-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-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
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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.