Investigating brain energy metabolism in schizophrenia during memory tasks
Official title: Observing brain lactate dynamics during a working memory task in first episode and chronic schizophrenia
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-11036415 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain energy levels change when people with schizophrenia, whether they're just starting treatment or have been living with it for a while, work on memory tasks, to help us understand why some have trouble with memory and thinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | November 15, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $246,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH138861-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036415 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, whether they are experiencing their first episode or have a chronic form of the illness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of schizophrenia or those with other unrelated mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how brain lactate levels change during working memory tasks in individuals with schizophrenia, both in those experiencing their first episode and those with chronic conditions. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to measure metabolic activity in the brain, which may reveal important insights into cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia. The research seeks to identify differences in brain energy metabolism that could help explain why some patients struggle with memory and cognitive functions. Participants will undergo functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS) to capture real-time changes in brain chemistry during cognitive tasks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding brain metabolism in schizophrenia, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Xi — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chen, Xi
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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.