Investigating how brain iron levels affect executive function in adolescents
Official title: Brain iron as a neurodevelopmental mechanism for transdianostic executive dysfunction
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10899628 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how not having enough iron in the brain might affect thinking skills, like remembering things and controlling impulses, in teenagers, including those with mental health challenges, to help find better ways to support them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00MH127293-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899628 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20, particularly those experiencing executive dysfunction or related psychiatric disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 0-20 years or those without executive dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between brain iron deficiency and executive dysfunction in adolescents, which includes cognitive processes like working memory and response inhibition. By studying a large community sample, the researchers aim to understand how low levels of iron in the brain can lead to difficulties in these cognitive functions. The study will also look at adolescents with psychiatric disorders to see if the findings apply to this group as well. The goal is to uncover neurobiological mechanisms that could inform targeted interventions for improving executive function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for adolescents struggling with executive dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between iron deficiency and cognitive function, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larsen, Bart — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Larsen, Bart
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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.