Investigating brain function in people with HIV and cannabis use
Official title: Next-Generation MEG Imaging for Quantifying Cortical-Subcortical Dynamics in the Context of HIV and Cannabis Use
Funded at Father Flanagan's Boys' Home · NIH-11124713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and cannabis use might affect thinking and memory in people with HIV, using special brain imaging to find out which parts of the brain are involved, so we can improve tests and understand these issues better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Father Flanagan's Boys' Home NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boys Town, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $641,043 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059542-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124713 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals over 21 years old who are living with HIV and may also use cannabis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how HIV and cannabis use affect brain function, particularly cognitive impairments that are common among individuals living with HIV. Using advanced magnetoencephalography (MEG) imaging technology, the study aims to identify specific brain circuits that are impacted by these conditions. By developing better diagnostic tests and biomarkers, the research seeks to clarify the relationship between HIV, substance use disorders, and cognitive decline. Patients may undergo brain imaging to help researchers gather data on these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for cognitive impairments in individuals with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced neuroimaging techniques to study cognitive impairments in HIV, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Father Flanagan's Boys' Home
Boys Town, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Tony W — Father Flanagan's Boys' Home
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Tony W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Hemp-derived CBD for reducing cannabis use in high-THC concentrate users
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial tests whether hemp-derived CBD can help adults who mainly use high-potency cannabis concentrates reduce their cannabis use.
-
Understanding how minority stress affects cannabis use in sexual minorities
A research project follows young adult sexual minorities to see how daily stress and coping help explain cannabis use and related problems.
-
Terminal cannabinoid CB1 receptor changes in schizophrenia and cannabis use
This grant studies how cannabis use and schizophrenia together affect a brain receptor (CB1) and what that could mean for memory and symptoms.
-
Cannabis policies and prenatal cannabis use: how laws affect moms and babies
This grant studies how changes in recreational cannabis laws influence cannabis use during pregnancy and health outcomes for mothers and children.
-
Genetic, Social, and Environmental Factors Shaping Early Cannabis Use in Youth
A study with young people will look at how genes, surroundings, and behavior come together to predict who might start using cannabis early and how to prevent it.
-
Cannabis use and how young adults feel about its effects
This grant helps a researcher study how young adults experience cannabis, including both positive and negative effects, and how these feelings relate to use patterns.
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.