Investigating Alzheimer's disease changes in World Trade Center responders
Burden and change in Alzheimers disease neuropathology in aging World Trade Center responders
This study is looking at World Trade Center responders who helped after 9/11 to see how their experiences, especially those with PTSD, might affect their brain health and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, using advanced brain scans to track any changes over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11044134 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on World Trade Center responders who were exposed to harmful dust particles during rescue efforts after 9/11. It aims to understand how their experiences, particularly those suffering from PTSD, may have accelerated cognitive aging and increased the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study will involve a large group of 120 medically-healthy responders undergoing advanced imaging techniques, including PET and MRI scans, to assess brain changes and cognitive function over time. By examining the relationship between PTSD and neuroinflammation, the research seeks to uncover early signs of cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are medically-healthy individuals who were responders at the World Trade Center and have experienced PTSD.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been involved in the World Trade Center rescue efforts or do not have a history of PTSD may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and intervention strategies for Alzheimer's disease in individuals exposed to traumatic events.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that PTSD can influence cognitive health, but this specific approach using advanced imaging in this unique population is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clouston, Sean — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Clouston, Sean
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.