Understanding brain injuries in older veterans
Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Older Veterans with Acute Traumatic Brain Injury (TRACK-VA)
This study is looking at how falls and brain injuries affect older veterans, especially to find ways to help them recover better and reduce risks like dementia after their injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11049017 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on the impact of acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older veterans, particularly those who have experienced falls. It aims to gather comprehensive clinical and biological data to better understand the unique challenges faced by this population, including higher mortality rates and risks for post-TBI dementia. By studying older veterans presenting to VA hospitals, the research seeks to identify effective interventions and optimize recovery outcomes. The study will also explore the role of pre-existing conditions and emerging biomarkers in this demographic.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older veterans who have experienced an acute traumatic brain injury, particularly those with pre-existing medical or psychiatric conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 years old or those without a history of traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and better recovery outcomes for older veterans with traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant research on TBI in younger populations, this study addresses a novel area focusing specifically on older veterans, which has been underrepresented in existing literature.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mukherjee, Pratik — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Mukherjee, Pratik
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.