Understanding how adolescent alcohol use affects brain development
Longitudinal Analysis of Diffusion Tensor Imaging to Discover Adolescent Alcohol Use Effect
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol affects the brain's structure in young people aged 12 to 20, by using special imaging techniques to see how their brains develop over time, especially for those who drink heavily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11012347 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of alcohol consumption on the brain's white matter structure in adolescents aged 12 to 20. By utilizing advanced diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) techniques, the study aims to track changes in brain connectivity over time in a group of youth, some of whom may engage in heavy drinking. Participants will undergo annual imaging assessments to capture how their brain development may differ based on their alcohol use patterns. The goal is to better understand the relationship between alcohol use and brain maturation during critical developmental years.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have varying levels of alcohol consumption, including abstainers and those who drink heavily.
Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those who do not consume alcohol may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and intervention strategies for adolescent alcohol use and its effects on brain health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of alcohol on adult brain structure, but this specific longitudinal approach in adolescents is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Qingyu — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Qingyu
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.