Understanding how mild brain injuries affect sleep and brain function in young people
Mechanisms of Circadian and Synaptic Dysfunction After Repetitive Mild TBI
This study is looking at how repeated mild brain injuries can affect sleep and brain function in teenagers, hoping to understand how these injuries might lead to long-term thinking problems and even diseases like Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10695415 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) on sleep patterns and brain function in adolescents. It aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that link mTBI to long-term cognitive issues, particularly focusing on how disruptions in circadian rhythms may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study will explore the role of specific signaling pathways in the brain that may be altered after mTBI, potentially leading to cognitive deficits. By using animal models, researchers will analyze the molecular changes that occur in response to these injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have experienced repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced any form of traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to prevent cognitive decline in young individuals who experience mild traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between brain injuries and cognitive decline, but this specific approach focusing on circadian rhythms and inflammatory pathways is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whalen, Michael J — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Whalen, Michael J
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.