NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding cognitive impairment in liver transplant patients

Official title: The spectrum of cognitive impairment including Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias after liver transplantation

Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11142600 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how liver transplant patients might struggle with thinking and memory problems, like those seen in Alzheimer's, to help doctors better support their brain health and recovery after surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project startJune 15, 2018
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$1,449,283
NIH project number5R01AG059183-08
Project IDNIH-11142600 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone liver transplantation and may be experiencing cognitive difficulties.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not undergone liver transplantation or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the cognitive challenges faced by patients after liver transplantation, particularly focusing on conditions like Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. It aims to identify the prevalence and types of cognitive impairment in these patients, which can range from mild attention issues to more severe forms of dementia. By leveraging data from a multi-center study, the research seeks to improve screening and management practices for cognitive health in liver transplant recipients. The goal is to enhance patient care by understanding how cognitive impairment affects overall health and recovery post-transplant.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better screening and management strategies for cognitive impairment in liver transplant patients, ultimately improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that cognitive impairment is a significant issue in liver transplant patients, indicating that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring entirely novel territory.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Francisco
    San Francisco, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lai, Jennifer C. — University of California, San Francisco
  • Study coordinator: Lai, Jennifer C.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.