Effects of arsenic exposure on brain health in veterans
Official title: Metabolic and Neurocognitive Impacts of Military-Associated Toxicant Exposures
Funded at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center · NIH-10951508 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to arsenic might impact the brain health of veterans, especially in teenagers aged 12-20, and how it could be connected to issues like anxiety and depression, with the goal of finding better ways to help those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jesse Brown VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006108-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951508 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include veterans and adolescents aged 12-20 who have been exposed to arsenic or are experiencing neurocognitive disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to arsenic or do not have neurocognitive disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to arsenic, particularly among veterans, affects neurocognitive health and development. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which arsenic contributes to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, especially in adolescents aged 12-20. The study aims to explore the relationship between arsenic exposure and the depletion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a vital fatty acid for brain function. By identifying these links, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies to improve mental health outcomes for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance brain health and reduce mental health disorders in veterans and potentially other populations exposed to arsenic.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing nutritional deficiencies, such as DHA, can improve cognitive function, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sargis, Robert M — Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sargis, Robert M
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.