Investigating brain changes in people who misuse methamphetamine
Official title: Hippocampal Alteration in Methamphetamine Misuse
Funded at University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-11249108 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using methamphetamine affects the brain, especially the part that helps with memory, and it’s for people who want to understand more about how this drug impacts their thinking and memory skills through safe brain scans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2019 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $315,755 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM130461-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11249108 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have a history of methamphetamine use or misuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not misuse methamphetamine or have no history of substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how methamphetamine misuse affects the brain, particularly the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory. Using advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), the study aims to detect subtle changes in brain structure that traditional methods may miss. By examining the relationship between methamphetamine use and cognitive impairments, the research seeks to provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of memory deficits associated with this substance. Participants may undergo noninvasive imaging to assess their brain health and cognitive function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for cognitive impairments in individuals who misuse methamphetamine.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored brain changes in substance misuse, this approach using MRE to assess microstructural changes is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwarb, Hillary — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Schwarb, Hillary
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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.