Investigating brain structure and function in myotonic dystrophy type 2
Official title: Brain Structure and Clinical Endpoints in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10894728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain's structure and function affect thinking and movement in people with myotonic dystrophy type 2, hoping to better understand the cognitive challenges you might face, so we can improve treatments for those issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $210,144 |
| NIH project number | 5K23NS125110-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy type 2.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of myotonic dystrophy or those without cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore how brain structure and function relate to cognitive and motor performance in individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2). The study will utilize advanced brain imaging techniques to assess changes in brain structure, particularly focusing on white matter integrity. By understanding these relationships, the research seeks to shed light on the cognitive challenges faced by DM2 patients, which are often overlooked compared to the more prominent muscle weakness symptoms. The findings could help inform future treatments and interventions for cognitive impairments in DM2.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive impairments in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 2.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on myotonic dystrophy type 1, studies specifically addressing brain structure and function in myotonic dystrophy type 2 are limited, making this research relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Puwanant, Araya — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Puwanant, Araya
Related research
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This grant explores why myotonic dystrophy can look very different from person to person by studying its genetic changes and how they affect muscle in adults.
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.