Understanding how repetitive head injuries affect brain changes in chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Characterization of the spatial and temporal response to tau in chronic traumatic encephalopathy

['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · NIH-11021605

This study is looking at how repeated head injuries can affect the brain and lead to a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and it's for people who have experienced these injuries and want to help researchers find better ways to understand and treat this condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11021605 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of repetitive head injuries (RHI) on the brain, particularly focusing on a condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). By utilizing the Boston University CTE brain bank, the largest of its kind, researchers will analyze brain samples to explore how tau protein accumulation and neuroinflammation contribute to the progression of CTE. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms linking RHI to brain damage, which could lead to better understanding and treatment options for affected individuals. Patients may be involved in providing brain tissue samples or participating in related assessments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of repetitive head injuries, such as athletes from contact sports or military personnel.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced repetitive head injuries or do not have a diagnosis related to neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for individuals at risk of neurodegenerative diseases due to repetitive head injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuroinflammation and tau pathology in similar contexts, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired brain injury, Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.