Investigating the link between smell deficits and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia
Official title: Project 2
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11072025 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with smell might affect thinking and feelings in people with schizophrenia, especially during their teenage years and early adulthood, and it involves some smell tests and activities to help us learn more about this connection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $419,262 |
| NIH project number | 5P50MH136297-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072025 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, particularly those experiencing negative symptoms and cognitive deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of schizophrenia or those who do not exhibit olfactory deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how changes in the sense of smell may affect cognitive functions and negative symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia. By examining the olfactory system and its connections to brain regions involved in motivation and social cognition, the study aims to understand how olfactory deficits correlate with symptoms like anhedonia and avolition. The research will involve assessing olfactory sensory neurons and their impact on the prefrontal cortex, particularly during critical developmental periods in adolescence and young adulthood. Patients may undergo behavioral assessments and olfactory tests to contribute to this understanding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into treating cognitive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia, potentially improving quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a correlation between olfactory deficits and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Minghong — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Ma, Minghong
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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.