Investigating brain inflammation in PTSD and its link to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Neuroinflammatory Alterations in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11105764 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation in the brain might affect memory and anxiety in people with PTSD by examining brain tissue from those who had the condition, to see if there are changes that could also relate to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $56,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30NS134280-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105764 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with PTSD, particularly those with a history of traumatic events and cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of PTSD or those who do not have a history of trauma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between neuroinflammation and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly how it may lead to cognitive impairments and anxiety. By examining postmortem brain tissue from individuals diagnosed with PTSD, the study aims to identify changes in the frontal cortex that could be linked to increased T-cell activity and tau protein aggregation, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The researchers will utilize advanced histological and genomic techniques to analyze these brain tissues, seeking to understand how PTSD and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) may interact and exacerbate neuroinflammatory processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from PTSD and related cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a connection between neuroinflammation and PTSD, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into the condition.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calderazzo, Samantha — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Calderazzo, Samantha
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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.