NIH-funded research R01 grant

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.

More Brain Injury research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$1,995,386
NIH project number5R01AG077576-02
Project IDNIH-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.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.