Understanding memory and thinking changes in World Trade Center survivors
Cognitive decline among WTC survivors with chronic mental and physical disorders
This work aims to understand why World Trade Center survivors with long-term health issues might experience problems with their memory and thinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11066409 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into how exposure to the World Trade Center dust and fumes, along with the stress of the events, might contribute to changes in brain health. Many WTC survivors experience conditions like PTSD, breathing problems, and certain cancers, and we believe these might be connected to inflammation and other biological changes that affect the brain. Our goal is to uncover the specific ways these exposures and health conditions lead to cognitive decline. This understanding could help us find better ways to support the brain health of WTC survivors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are World Trade Center survivors who have experienced acute or chronic WTC exposures and have existing mental or physical health conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who are not World Trade Center survivors or do not have related chronic mental and physical disorders would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of cognitive decline in WTC survivors, potentially guiding future strategies for prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: While cognitive impairments have been studied in WTC responders, this work focuses on WTC community survivors, where less is currently known about these specific connections.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shao, Yongzhao — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Shao, Yongzhao
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.