Investigating brain changes from repeated head impacts in athletes
Official title: Understanding the Neuroanatomical Abnormalities of Repetitive Head Impacts
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11030954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how repeated head injuries from playing football might affect the brains of former players over time, with the goal of finding ways to spot signs of a serious brain condition called CTE while people are still alive, so they can get better care and support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $211,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS140565-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are former athletes, especially those who have played contact sports and experienced repetitive head impacts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not engaged in contact sports or have not experienced repetitive head impacts may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts (RHI) on the brains of former athletes, particularly American football players. It aims to identify neuroanatomical abnormalities associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a serious neurodegenerative disease linked to these impacts. By analyzing data from a large research network, the study seeks to develop biomarkers that can help diagnose CTE during a person's life, rather than postmortem. This could lead to better treatment options and interventions for those affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide earlier diagnosis and better management strategies for individuals at risk of CTE.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, but this specific approach to CTE is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arciniega, Hector — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Arciniega, Hector
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Actions to Decrease Disparities in Blood Pressure Control for Blacks
Aiming to help Black patients manage high blood pressure by using nurses, community health workers, and home monitoring in real-world clinics.
-
Blood-based markers to identify lung cancer risk in never-smokers
A researchers team at NYU School of Medicine is testing blood tests that might flag higher lung cancer risk in people who have never smoked, helping decide who might need screening.
-
Oxytocin's effect on social brain function in autistic adults
A group at NYU School of Medicine studies how oxytocin affects social thinking and brain activity in adults with autism.
-
COVID-19 healthcare disruptions and heart health inequities in NYC adults with multiple conditions
This project looks at how COVID-19-related gaps in care affected heart health in adults with several chronic conditions in New York City.
-
Connecting TDP-43 Pathology to Molecular Profiles in Neurodegeneration
This grant explores how specific molecular patterns in brain tissue relate to ALS and Alzheimer’s disease features, aiming to improve understanding of disease subtypes and progression.
-
INOCA-mobile heart rehab for angina and breathlessness
A mobile health-based cardiac rehabilitation program is being tested to help people with INOCA feel better and move more.
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.