The effects of traumatic brain injury and repeated head impacts on dementia and related conditions

Traumatic Brain Injury and Repetitive Head Impacts: Contributions to AD/ADRD and CTE Neuropathology and Resulting Clinical Syndromes

NIH-funded research Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10689889

This study is looking at how injuries to the brain from things like sports or military activities might lead to dementia and other brain problems, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding the long-term effects of these injuries on brain health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University Medical Campus NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10689889 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and repetitive head impacts (RHI) from activities like contact sports and military service contribute to the development of dementia and other neurological conditions. By examining brain tissue samples, the study aims to identify the various pathological changes associated with TBI and RHI, including the presence of proteins linked to neurodegeneration. The research seeks to understand the long-term effects of these injuries on brain health and the potential for developing conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Through this work, researchers hope to clarify the relationship between these injuries and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries or repetitive head impacts, particularly athletes or military personnel.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced any form of traumatic brain injury or repetitive head impacts may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for dementia and related conditions in individuals with a history of TBI or RHI.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between traumatic brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's DiseaseAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron DiseaseGehrig's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.