Investigating how aging and traumatic brain injury affect attention and executive function.
Official title: Traumatic brain injury and aging: targeting the cholinergic system for deficits in sustained attention and executive function
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11128984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain injuries and getting older affect our thinking skills, and it’s testing a medication that might help improve those skills in people who have had a brain injury or are experiencing memory issues as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $159,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS110609-05S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals or those who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly and have not experienced a traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how traumatic brain injury (TBI) and aging impact cognitive functions such as sustained attention and executive function. The study aims to explore the role of the cholinergic system, particularly through the use of a drug called NS-1738, which enhances cholinergic neurotransmission. By conducting experiments on both young and aged rats, the researchers hope to identify mechanisms that could lead to improved cognitive performance in individuals affected by TBI and age-related cognitive decline. The findings may provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for enhancing cognitive function in vulnerable populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function in elderly individuals and those recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing cognitive function through cholinergic modulation, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bondi, Corina Oana — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Bondi, Corina Oana
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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.