Investigating how repeated concussions and heart health affect brain aging and behavior.
Official title: The effects of cumulative concussion, repetitive head impacts, and comorbid cardiovascular risk factors on MRI metrics of pathological aging and neurobehavioral functioning across the lifespan
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10889135 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how mild brain injuries and repeated hits to the head can affect your brain and behavior as you get older, using MRI scans to see how these changes relate to your age and heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $132,171 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AG073528-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889135 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of concussions or repetitive head impacts, particularly those who are older or have cardiovascular risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any head injuries or do not have cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and repetitive head impacts on brain health and behavior throughout a person's life. It uses MRI technology to assess changes in brain structure and function, particularly focusing on how these changes are influenced by age and cardiovascular health. By analyzing data from various age groups, the study aims to uncover the connections between head injuries, brain aging, and cognitive decline, providing a comprehensive view of these issues over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of cognitive decline related to head injuries, potentially improving treatment and prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown associations between head injuries and cognitive decline, but this study aims to provide a novel longitudinal perspective on these relationships.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brett, Benjamin L — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Brett, Benjamin L
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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.