Investigating the causes of long-term memory issues after brain injuries
Official title: Risk Factors for Chronic Memory Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at Miami VA Health Care System · NIH-11012318 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how early life stress might affect recovery from memory problems after a traumatic brain injury, especially for military service members and Veterans, to help find better treatments for those who need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami VA Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003782-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012318 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include military service members and Veterans who have experienced traumatic brain injuries, particularly those with a history of early life stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced traumatic brain injuries or those without a history of early life stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the risk factors that contribute to chronic memory problems following traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly among military service members and Veterans. It examines how early life stress may affect recovery from TBI by studying the immune responses in the brain. The research uses animal models to simulate early life stress and its impact on brain health after injury, aiming to uncover the underlying biological mechanisms. By identifying these factors, the study seeks to pave the way for new treatments that could improve recovery outcomes for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for individuals suffering from memory problems after traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of early life stress on brain health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Miami VA Health Care System
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atkins, Coleen M. — Miami VA Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Atkins, Coleen M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Why some people have lasting memory problems after a head injury
Researchers are looking at whether stressful childhood experiences make adults more likely to have long-term memory problems after a traumatic brain injury.
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This project uses a small brain oxygen monitor to guide ICU care for people with severe traumatic brain injury in hopes of improving recovery.
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.