Improving cognitive skills in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease
Official title: A Pilot Study of an Enhanced Program to Promote Adherence to eHealth Cognitive Rehabilitation in Sickle Cell Disease
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-11042880 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program to help kids and teens with sickle cell disease improve their memory and thinking skills through fun online training, while also getting support from family and friends to make it easier and more enjoyable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $136,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R03HL164663-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042880 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents diagnosed with sickle cell disease who may experience cognitive deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of sickle cell disease or those who do not exhibit cognitive deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance cognitive rehabilitation for children and adolescents suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD) by evaluating a new program that promotes adherence to an eHealth working memory training called Cogmed. The program includes social support elements such as family kickoff events and peer navigator assistance to encourage participation and improve cognitive function. By focusing on working memory, which is often impaired in SCD patients, the study seeks to determine if these enhancements can lead to better engagement and outcomes. Participants will engage in home-based training designed to address cognitive deficits associated with their condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve cognitive abilities and quality of life for children and adolescents with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using eHealth interventions for cognitive rehabilitation, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hardy, Steven James — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Hardy, Steven James
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital twins of the spleen to help design better therapies for sickle cell disease
A computer-driven replica of the spleen is being developed to speed up creating safer and more effective treatments for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
This NIH grant explores how acupuncture helps reduce pain and opioid use for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
-
How diet affects white blood cells and sickle cell disease
A study looks at how nutrition, from early life to adulthood, influences sickle cell disease by examining neutrophils and disease severity in people with SCD and in a mouse model.
-
Nutrition-based plan to ease pain in sickle cell disease
A nutrition-based approach is being tested to reduce pain for people living with sickle cell disease.
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.