Investigating toxic exposures in veterans linked to higher ALS risk
RFA-TS-24-010: Persistent Environmental Toxicants in Veteran CNS Tissue: Identifying Exposures Determining Higher ALS Risk
This study is looking into why U.S. veterans are more likely to get ALS than other people, by checking for harmful substances they might have been exposed to during their service, like smoke from burn pits, to help understand the reasons behind this risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lebanon, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11002576 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why U.S. veterans have a significantly higher risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) compared to civilians. The study aims to identify specific environmental toxicants that veterans may have been exposed to during their service, such as those from burn pits and engine exhaust. By analyzing central nervous system tissue from veterans, the researchers hope to uncover the connections between these exposures and the increased ALS risk. This innovative approach seeks to provide insights into the underlying causes of ALS in this population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are U.S. veterans who may have been exposed to environmental toxicants during their military service.
Not a fit: Patients who are not veterans or who have not been exposed to military-related toxicants may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for ALS in veterans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a link between environmental exposures and ALS risk, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Lebanon, United States
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic — Lebanon, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stommel, Elijah W — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
- Study coordinator: Stommel, Elijah W
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.