Investigating brain changes in welders exposed to manganese
Official title: Imaging Biomarkers of Neurotoxicity in Welders
Funded at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center · NIH-10860982 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being around manganese, which can be harmful to the brain, affects welders' brain health over time, using special brain scans to see if it causes changes similar to those in Parkinson's disease and how it impacts their movement and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | February 11, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $490,249 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES021488-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-10860982 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are welders who have been exposed to manganese and are experiencing motor or cognitive symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to manganese or do not work in welding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to manganese, a neurotoxic substance, affects the brain of welders. By using advanced brain imaging techniques, specifically positron emission tomography (PET), the study aims to identify changes in brain function and structure that resemble those seen in Parkinson's disease. The researchers will track these changes over time to see how manganese exposure impacts motor and cognitive abilities. Participants will undergo brain imaging and assessments to evaluate the effects of manganese on their neurological health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of neurological conditions related to manganese exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant findings regarding manganese exposure and its neurotoxic effects, indicating that this approach is built on established knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Racette, Brad a — St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Racette, Brad a
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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.