Investigating brain health in responders to the World Trade Center disaster
Cognition and neuropathology in World Trade Center-exposed FDNY, NYPD, and construction worker responders
This study is looking at the brain health of firefighters, police officers, and construction workers who helped after the World Trade Center disaster to see how their experiences and exposure to dust might affect their thinking skills as they get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10848177 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on the cognitive health of individuals who responded to the World Trade Center disaster, particularly firefighters, police officers, and construction workers. It aims to understand how exposure to dust and the psychological impact of their experiences may lead to early signs of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. The study will involve detailed cognitive assessments, blood tests for biomarkers, and advanced imaging techniques like PET and MRI to evaluate brain health. By examining these factors, the research seeks to uncover the relationship between PTSD, exposure to harmful particles, and cognitive aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who were responders at the World Trade Center site, including FDNY and NYPD personnel, as well as construction workers involved in the recovery efforts.
Not a fit: Patients who were not involved in the World Trade Center response efforts or who do not exhibit symptoms of cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for cognitive decline in individuals exposed to traumatic events.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that similar approaches to studying cognitive health in trauma-exposed populations can yield valuable insights, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clouston, Sean — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Clouston, Sean
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 below.