Investigating brain changes after repeated head impacts
Official title: Digital Neurodegenerative Pathology After Repetitive Head Impacts
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11103711 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how repeated head impacts from contact sports or military service might lead to Alzheimer’s disease and similar conditions, using advanced technology to examine brain tissue and better understand these changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 7, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $843,248 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS142076-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103711 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced repetitive head impacts, such as athletes in contact sports or military personnel.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced repetitive head impacts or do not have a risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the effects of repetitive head impacts, particularly in individuals involved in contact sports or military service, on the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It employs advanced digital pathology techniques and computational algorithms to analyze brain tissue samples for various neurodegenerative changes, including the presence of beta-amyloid and alpha-synuclein. By harmonizing data from multiple brain banks, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind neurodegeneration and improve diagnostic accuracy for these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital pathology and computational methods to analyze neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mez, Jesse Benjamin — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Mez, Jesse Benjamin
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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.