Investigating how iron deficiency anemia affects brain blood flow and cognition in adults

Brain blood flow, oxygenation, and cognition in adult onset iron deficiency anemia

NIH-funded research Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-10906226

This study is looking at how iron deficiency anemia affects thinking and memory in women aged 14-60, and it will see if getting more iron can help improve these brain functions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10906226 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the effects of adult-onset iron deficiency anemia (IDA) on brain function and blood flow. It aims to explore how moderate anemia impacts cognitive abilities such as memory and reasoning, particularly in women aged 14-60. The study will involve comprehensive brain imaging and assessments of blood flow and oxygen levels in participants diagnosed with IDA, as well as healthy controls. By analyzing these factors, the research seeks to determine if iron replacement therapies can reverse cognitive deficits associated with IDA.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are women aged 14-60 who have been diagnosed with moderate iron deficiency anemia.

Not a fit: Patients with anemia caused by factors other than iron deficiency or those with risk factors for small vessel disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for cognitive impairments caused by iron deficiency anemia in adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has established the negative impact of iron deficiency on pediatric brain function, but this investigation into adult cognitive effects is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.