Investigating how alcohol use affects cognitive function the next day in young adults
Official title: An Ecological Investigation of Acute Next-Day Effects of Alcohol Use on Daily Cognitive Functioning
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-11247411 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol affects thinking and memory in young adults, by tracking the experiences of 250 participants over three weeks to see how different drinking habits impact their focus and recall the next day, with the goal of helping those who might be more vulnerable to these effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,938 |
| NIH project number | 7R21AA030590-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11247411 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are young adults who consume alcohol, particularly those who engage in heavy or binge drinking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or are outside the young adult age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the immediate effects of alcohol consumption on cognitive functioning in young adults. By collecting detailed data over a 21-day period from 250 participants, the study aims to assess how different types of drinking episodes, such as binge or blackout drinking, impact concentration and memory the following day. The researchers will analyze both daily behaviors and individual differences to identify those most at risk for cognitive impairment due to alcohol use. This information could help inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies for young adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive decline associated with alcohol use in young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that alcohol use can negatively impact cognitive function, suggesting that this study's approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Linden-Carmichael, Ashley Nicole — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Linden-Carmichael, Ashley Nicole
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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.