How iron-deficiency anemia affects adult brain blood flow, oxygen, and memory
Brain blood flow, oxygenation, and cognition in adult onset iron deficiency anemia
['FUNDING_R01'] · CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES · NIH-11159407
This project tests whether treating moderate iron-deficiency anemia can improve brain blood flow, oxygen use, and thinking in adult women.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11159407 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would join a group of about 96 women ages 14–60 with moderate iron-deficiency anemia and 40 healthy volunteers, mostly recruited in the Los Angeles area. Participants get detailed brain MRI scans that measure blood flow, oxygen metabolism, and blood–brain barrier function, along with cognitive tests of memory, reasoning, and learning. People with other causes of anemia or major vascular risk factors are excluded so the study focuses on iron-deficiency effects. Those with anemia will receive iron replacement and repeat imaging and testing to see whether brain and cognitive changes reverse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are females about 14–60 years old with moderate iron-deficiency anemia (for example hemoglobin <11 g/dL) who are otherwise healthy and do not have diabetes, hypertension, or sleep-disordered breathing.
Not a fit: People whose anemia is caused by non-iron reasons or who have significant vascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or major neurologic disorders would likely not be eligible and may not benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could show that iron treatment restores brain blood flow and thinking in adults with iron-deficiency anemia.
How similar studies have performed: Pediatric studies and preliminary adult data show cognitive and brain effects from iron deficiency, but combining advanced MRI with cognitive testing to show reversibility with iron replacement in adults is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WOOD, JOHN C — CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: WOOD, JOHN C
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 below.