The following are research studies currently underway at our center. To get involved or to learn more about our research studies, please call 212-241-5152.
Current Research Studies
The Late Effects in Traumatic Brain Injury (LETBI)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD
The LETBI study is designed to learn more about the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and aging. We are interested in understanding the health conditions that people with TBI already have at the time of their injury and investigating their health and cognitive functioning (thinking skills, such as memory or attention) after their injury. This study is unique in that it involves brain banking. Participants, regardless of their age, gender, or health condition, are asked to consider brain donation at the end of life and to make their wishes known.
Eligibility: In order to take part in this study, the following must apply:
- Sustained a moderate or severe TBI, or sustained multiple head impacts or exposures
- Head injuries are common following a vehicle accident, military service, sports concussion, fall, being hit by an object, etc.
- At least 1 year post-injury
- Participants or their proxy must be able to provide informed consent in English
- Must be willing to consider brain donation at end of life
Your Role: Participation includes a day visit to the Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai Hospital. This visit includes an interview, questionnaires, a blood draw, and an MRI scan (if applicable). If you are unable to travel to the center, you can participate over the phone. You will be compensated at the end of each in-person or phone visit.
The Late Effects of TBI in Military Service Members (LETBI-MIL)
The LETBI-MIL study allows us to expand the LETBI research infrastructure to focus on brain health in a diverse population of U.S. veterans— including those who never received a formal TBI diagnosis or care.
Eligibility: In order to take part in this study, in addition to the eligibility criteria stated above, the following must apply:
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- Have previously serviced in the U.S. military
- Must be 1-year-post-service
Resilient Together for Dementia (RT-D)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sarah Bannon, PhD
The Resilient Together for Dementia study is a novel early resiliency program for couples following a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Your Role: Participation includes a single virtual or in-person interview (based on your preference) together as a couple and individual participation in questionnaires online. You will be compensated $40 each ($80 per couple) at the end of the interview.
Eligibility: To participate, you must be in a romantic relationship and participate with your partner. Eligible couples include one person over age 65 recently diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or a form of Alzheimer’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia (AD/ADRD).
Community-based Implementation of an Emotion Regulation Intervention for Individuals with TBI (EmReg Implementation)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Maria Kajankova, PhD
The purpose of this research study is to determine the best approach to introduce our Online Emotion Regulation Intervention (Online EmReg) into routine clinical practice while evaluating its real-world effectiveness. The goal of this study is to make the intervention more widely available to people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Eligibility: To participate, you must be a licensed psychologist, social worker, or mental health counselor with experience in: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), providing group treatment, and working with individuals with TBI.
Your Role: If you choose to take part, you will be asked to complete a 3-hour on-demand training workshop on Online EmReg and complete consultation sessions (if applicable). Upon completion of the workshop, you will be asked to implement EmReg into your clinical practice while tracking your progress. You will be asked to complete online surveys at 6 time points. Your participation is completely remote, and expected to last up to 15 months.
TBI and Health in Adults: An Exploratory Study
Principal Investigator: Dr. Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD
The TBI and health in adults exploratory study is designed to learn more about traumatic brain injury (TBI) and aging. As is the case for adults without a TBI, individuals with a TBI may experience different health conditions as they age.
Eligibility: In order to take part in this study you must have had a TBI (mild, moderate or severe) and documentation of injury (ex: a doctor’s note, ED visit or hospitalization) and you must be at least 1 year post-injury.
Your Role: Participation includes follow-up by mail/phone every 1-2 years for the duration of the study. Participants will complete questionnaires about health and functioning and a brief neuropsychological assessment over the phone. You will be compensated $10 for completing each part of the study.
The following are research studies where research volunteers are directly recruited from our Traumatic Brain Injury rehabilitation unit. For more information, please call 212-241-5152.
The Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD
TBIMS program began in 1987 with a mission to improve care and outcomes for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Through a rigorous review process, 16 hospitals were designated as TBIMS centers. All centers provide a multidisciplinary system of rehabilitation care, including emergency medical, acute medical and post-acute services. In addition to providing direct services, these centers play a pivotal role in building the national capacity for high-quality treatment and research serving people with TBI, their families, and the communities in which they reside.
Your Role: Participation includes completion of a phone interview 1, 2, and 5 years after injury and every 5 years thereafter. You will be compensated for each interview completed.
Patient Research Registry
Principal Investigator: Dr. Kristen Dams-O'Connor
An electronic database that contains contact, demographic, and medical history information of people who have had a TBI and are willing to be contacted about TBI research studies at Mount Sinai in which they may be eligible to participate.
Your Role: To enroll, sign the consent form and complete 3 surveys (10-15 minutes)
Biomarkers of Attention Function in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sudhin Shah, PhD
The Brain Injury Research Center of Mount Sinai has teamed up with colleagues at Weill Cornell Medicine to compare measures of brain function with performance on tests of thinking abilities, and determine biomarkers related to impairments in attention after a TBI.
Eligibility: In order to take part in this study you must be at least 18 years of age, have had a TBI and documentation of injury (ex: a doctor’s note, ED visit or hospitalization), and you must be within 8-months of the injury.
Your Role: Participation includes two full day visits to Weill Cornell Medicine, one at 6 months after injury and one at 12 months after injury. The visits include MRI, EEG, blood draw, and tests of thinking ability.