Ischemic and neurometabolomic contributors to brain health in sickle cell anemia
Official title: Ischemic and neurometabolomic contributors to cognitive brain health in sickle cell anemia
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11305795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies why people with sickle cell anemia have cognitive problems, looking at brain blood flow, oxygen use, and other brain signals to understand who is at risk and why.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2015 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $733,760 |
| NIH project number | 2R01HL129241-11 |
| Project ID | NIH-11305795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with sickle cell anemia who are willing to undergo brain imaging and related assessments may be eligible.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without sickle cell anemia or those unable to participate in MRI-based studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you or your child has sickle cell anemia, this project will look at how brain oxygen supply and metabolic stress relate to cognitive changes over time. Researchers will study brain imaging and biomarkers to tease apart ischemic and non-ischemic factors that contribute to cognitive impairment in adults with SCA. The team will examine genetic factors, such as PAR4 variants, and how they influence brain health in people with SCA. The study builds on prior findings to identify mechanisms beyond visible strokes that drive cognitive outcomes. Participation may involve imaging, blood tests, and follow-up assessments to track brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A better understanding of brain factors in sickle cell anemia could lead to personalized strategies to protect cognition.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked brain oxygen stress and cognitive changes in adults with SCA, with ongoing work aiming to expand this to additional contributors.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ford, Andria Lee — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ford, Andria Lee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell in Africa
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Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Africa
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Hypoxemia during Sleep in Sickle Cell Disease: How Common is It and How Might Treatments Help
This study looks at how low oxygen during sleep affects adults with sickle cell disease and how they respond to therapy across multiple urban and rural sites.
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Hypoxic red blood cells for sickle cell anemia using the Hemanext ONE system
A new approach using special low-oxygen red blood cells from the Hemanext ONE system is being tested to help adults and children with sickle cell anemia who rely on frequent transfusions.
-
Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Anemia in Africa
A safety and feasibility pilot study tests giving hydroxyurea to young children with sickle cell anemia in sub-Saharan Africa to reduce illness and death.
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.