Investigating how stress and inflammation affect brain function in adults with Huntington’s disease
Official title: Stress, Inflammation, and Neurocognitive Functioning in Adults with Huntington’s Disease
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10999298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chronic stress and inflammation affect thinking skills in adults with Huntington’s disease, and it aims to help us understand why some people with this condition have trouble with tasks like remembering things or controlling their impulses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS135926-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999298 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with Huntington’s disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Huntington’s disease or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between chronic stress, inflammation, and cognitive impairments in adults with Huntington’s disease (HD). It aims to identify how these factors contribute to difficulties in executive functioning, such as working memory and inhibitory control. By examining a sample of adults with HD, the study will utilize advanced measurement techniques to assess stress levels and their impact on cognitive abilities. Participants will be drawn from an ongoing NIH project, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between stress, inflammation, and neurocognitive function in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive impairments in patients with Huntington’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that stress and inflammation significantly impact cognitive function in other populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach for Huntington’s disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ciriegio, Abagail Elizabeth — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Ciriegio, Abagail Elizabeth
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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.