Investigating how chronic alcohol use affects cognitive function
Official title: Nucleus reuniens, chronic ethanol and cognitive deficits
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10932207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term alcohol use affects memory and attention, using mice to explore a specific part of the brain that might help us find new ways to improve thinking skills for people struggling with alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2023 |
| Project end | September 1, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AA031433-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over the age of 21 who have a history of alcohol use disorder and experience cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not experiencing cognitive deficits related to alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the cognitive deficits caused by chronic alcohol use, particularly how it affects working memory and attention. The study examines the nucleus reuniens, a brain region involved in cognitive processes, to uncover the mechanisms behind alcohol-induced cognitive dysfunction. Using animal models, the researchers will assess cognitive performance and brain activity in mice exposed to chronic alcohol to identify potential new treatment targets for individuals with alcohol use disorder. The goal is to provide insights that could lead to better therapies for cognitive impairments associated with alcohol dependence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments specifically targeting cognitive deficits in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on the nucleus reuniens in relation to alcohol-induced cognitive deficits is relatively novel, other studies have shown success in exploring cognitive impairments associated with alcohol use.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lindquist, Kathy — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Lindquist, Kathy
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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.