Understanding behavior in youth at risk for Huntington disease
Official title: Inhibitory Control and Externalizing Behaviors in Youth at Risk for Huntington Disease
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10906848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the thinking and behavior challenges that young people at risk for Huntington disease might face, like trouble with decision-making, anxiety, and acting impulsively, to help find early signs and improve support for them before any physical symptoms appear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,771 |
| NIH project number | 5K23NS126628-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include youth and young adults who are gene carriers or at risk for Huntington disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for Huntington disease or do not carry the gene mutation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cognitive and behavioral challenges faced by youth and young adults who are at risk for Huntington disease (HD). It aims to identify early symptoms and their neurobiological underpinnings, focusing on issues like executive dysfunction, anxiety, and impulsive behaviors. By studying this population, the research seeks to develop methods for measuring these symptoms and understanding their progression before the onset of motor symptoms. The findings could inform future interventions and therapies for those at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and intervention strategies for youth at risk for Huntington disease, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in identifying early cognitive and behavioral changes in at-risk populations, suggesting that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdonell, Katherine — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mcdonell, Katherine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Harnessing neuron-derived vesicles to find Huntington’s disease biomarkers
A research project aims to identify brain-derived biomarkers in blood that reflect Huntington disease activity, using neuronal extracellular vesicles as the signal source.
-
Understanding how blood flow problems in the brain affect Huntington’s disease
A study at a major hospital is looking at how blood vessels in the brain may contribute to symptoms and brain changes in Huntington’s disease.
-
Rhes‑SUMO pathway's role in Huntington's disease
This work looks at whether the Rhes‑SUMO protein system increases toxic huntingtin and helps it spread in the brain, which may explain early striatal damage in people with Huntington's disease.
-
Understanding how ribosome stalling affects Huntington disease
This study is looking at how a problem with protein production in the brain might contribute to Huntington disease, which could help us find new ways to treat the condition.
-
Rhes-SUMO Pathway and Huntington Disease in Mice
A study in mouse models explores how the Rhes-SUMO pathway may drive brain and nerve cell vulnerability in Huntington disease.
-
Investigating the role of the Rhes-SUMO pathway in Huntington's disease
This study is looking at how a specific pathway in the brain might affect the worsening of Huntington's disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage the symptoms and slow down the disease for those living with it.
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.