How exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy and stress in adulthood affects thinking skills.

The interaction of perinatal organophosphate flame retardant exposure and adult chronic stress on cognitive processing

NIH-funded research Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10772967

This study looks at how being around certain chemicals during pregnancy and dealing with stress as an adult might affect thinking skills like memory and decision-making, especially for people with mental health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Piscataway, United States)
Project IDNIH-10772967 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to organophosphate flame retardants during pregnancy and chronic stress in adulthood may impact cognitive abilities such as memory and decision-making. The study aims to understand the combined effects of these factors on cognitive decline, particularly in individuals with mental health disorders. By examining both environmental chemical exposure and stress, the research seeks to uncover potential mechanisms that exacerbate cognitive impairment. The methodology includes animal models to simulate chronic stress and assess cognitive outcomes related to chemical exposure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced chronic stress and may have cognitive impairments or mental health disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of chronic stress or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for cognitive impairments associated with mental health disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that exposure to environmental chemicals can lead to cognitive impairments, suggesting that this study's approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Piscataway, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Mental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorderpsychological disorderMental disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.