NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating how brain injuries affect attention and thinking in older adults

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-10984890 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how traumatic brain injury affects thinking skills in older adults, especially focusing on attention and decision-making, and it will test a new treatment to see if it can help improve these skills.

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Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2020
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$15,975
NIH project number3R01NS110609-05S1
Project IDNIH-10984890 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Less likely to help

Patients who are younger than 65 years or those without a history of traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on cognitive functions, particularly sustained attention and executive function, in older adults aged 65 and above. It aims to explore the role of the cholinergic system, specifically the α7 nicotinic receptors, in modulating cognitive impairments associated with TBI and aging. The study will assess cognitive-behavioral dimensions and evaluate the potential benefits of a novel therapeutic agent, NS 1738, administered over different time frames. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify new treatment strategies that could improve cognitive outcomes for older adults affected by TBI.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive function and quality of life for older adults who have experienced traumatic brain injuries.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the cholinergic system for cognitive impairments, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.

Where this research is happening

  • 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

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.