How alcohol affects a specific brain region's function
Official title: Impact of Alcohol on Claustrum Function
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11067131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how long-term drinking affects a little-known part of the brain called the claustrum, which could help us understand why alcohol can make it hard to think clearly and make good decisions, ultimately aiming to improve treatment options for people with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2024 |
| Project end | September 8, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AA032136-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067131 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of chronic alcohol consumption who may be experiencing cognitive difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no cognitive impairments related to alcohol use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of chronic alcohol exposure on the claustrum, a brain region that has not been extensively studied in relation to alcohol use. By examining how alcohol alters neuronal activity and morphology in this area, the project aims to uncover the neurocircuit mechanisms behind cognitive impairments associated with alcohol use disorder. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how alcohol affects decision-making and cognitive control, potentially leading to better treatment strategies. The research employs advanced techniques like electrophysiology and imaging to analyze the effects of alcohol on brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of cognitive impairments in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on the claustrum in relation to alcohol is novel, similar studies have shown that understanding brain mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in treating alcohol-related cognitive impairments.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wulff, Andreas Brydenfelt — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Wulff, Andreas Brydenfelt
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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.