Investigating how brain fluid clearance affects protein buildup after a traumatic brain injury
Official title: Brain fluid clearance and misfolded protein dynamics following traumatic brain injury
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10933475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well the brain cleans out waste and toxins after a traumatic brain injury, and how this might affect recovery and the risk of developing Alzheimer's later on, so it's for anyone interested in understanding the long-term effects of brain injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,995,386 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG077576-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have recently experienced a traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury or those with pre-existing severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the role of cerebrospinal and interstitial fluid systems in clearing waste and toxins from the brain following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to measure how effectively the brain clears these substances and how this relates to cognitive recovery and the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease later on. The researchers will also track the dynamics of amyloid-β, a protein associated with Alzheimer's, to understand its relationship with brain fluid clearance over time. By identifying these mechanisms, the study seeks to provide insights into the long-term effects of TBI on brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries and at risk for Alzheimer's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that monitoring brain fluid dynamics and amyloid-β levels can provide valuable insights into brain health, suggesting that this approach may yield significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butler, Tracy a. — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Butler, Tracy a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-enhanced virtual reality tool to support remote emergency brain surgery training in Tanzania
A new AI-powered virtual reality tool helps non-experts in low-resource areas get real-time remote guidance for emergency traumatic brain injury surgery.
-
How head injury affects the heart and blood vessels
This project aims to find out whether traumatic brain injuries make people more likely to develop hardened arteries and heart problems, especially among veterans.
-
Neural targets for improving function in Veterans with alcohol use disorder and mild brain injury
This project tests a targeted brain-stimulation approach to help Veterans who have both alcohol use problems and mild traumatic brain injury improve daily functioning.
-
How head injuries affect the heart and blood vessels
This project is looking at whether past traumatic brain injuries cause changes in blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease for people who have had head injuries.
-
Keeping oxygen in the injured brain after severe head trauma
This project uses a small brain oxygen monitor to guide ICU care for people with severe traumatic brain injury in hopes of improving recovery.
-
How head injuries affect Parkinson's over time
Researchers will follow people with Parkinson's disease to learn how past mild-to-moderate head injuries relate to thinking, mood, movement, brain changes, and quality of life.
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.