The effects of alcohol on brain health and fluid balance
Chronic Alcohol, Dementia, and CNS Fluid Homeostasis
This study is looking at how drinking too much alcohol in middle age can impact brain health and possibly lead to memory problems, especially related to blood flow in the brain, and it aims to find ways to help protect your brain from these effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10903954 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how mid-life alcohol use disorder affects brain health and contributes to dementia, particularly vascular cognitive impairment. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which alcohol disrupts fluid balance in the central nervous system, potentially leading to cognitive decline. The study will explore changes in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and the role of the glymphatic and lymphatic systems in this process. By examining these relationships, the research aims to identify strategies to mitigate the negative effects of alcohol on brain function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are middle-aged individuals with a history of heavy alcohol consumption who may be at risk for dementia.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of alcohol use disorder or those who are not experiencing cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for dementia in individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of alcohol on brain health, but this specific approach to studying fluid homeostasis in relation to dementia is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mason, Graeme F. — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Mason, Graeme F.
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.