Understanding how brain metabolism affects mental health
Quantifying the Brain Metabolism Underlying Task-Based BOLD Imaging
This study is looking at how the way our brains use energy affects our mental health, especially during thinking tasks, and it’s designed for anyone interested in understanding more about the connection between brain function and mental health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10816746 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between brain metabolism and mental health by using advanced imaging techniques. It aims to clarify how metabolic processes, particularly aerobic glycolysis, influence brain function during cognitive tasks. By combining functional PET imaging and dual-calibrated fMRI, the study seeks to measure glucose and oxygen metabolism in the brain, providing insights into how these processes relate to mental disorders. The findings could help bridge the gap between biological markers and behavioral experiences in individuals with mental health issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing mental health disorders or those interested in understanding cognitive function and its relation to brain metabolism.
Not a fit: Patients with no mental health concerns or those not willing to undergo imaging procedures may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for mental health disorders by identifying metabolic dysfunctions.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain metabolism and its impact on mental health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sander, Christin Y. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sander, Christin Y.
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.