Investigating the effects of repetitive head impacts from contact sports on cognitive health.
Late Pathologies of Exposure to Repetitive Head Impacts from Contact Sports: White Matter and Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment, Dementia, and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
This study is looking at how repeated head injuries from contact sports might affect brain health and memory in former athletes, and it’s inviting 200 retired players to help us understand this better through brain scans and other tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10795730 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how repetitive head impacts from contact sports contribute to cognitive impairment, dementia, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It aims to assess the integrity of white matter and the role of cerebrovascular disease in these conditions among former athletes. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques and collaborating with Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers, the study will recruit 200 former contact sport athletes to explore the multifactorial causes of cognitive decline. Participants will undergo both in vivo and ex vivo assessments to provide insights into the relationship between head impacts and cognitive health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are former contact sport athletes over the age of 50, both male and female.
Not a fit: Patients who have not participated in contact sports or are under the age of 50 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive impairments in former contact sport athletes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated potential links between head impacts and cognitive decline, but this study aims to explore uncharted areas, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alosco, Michael — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Alosco, Michael
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 below.