Participate in Research
SLI and BU Research
Do you want to participate in research to help solve the concussion crisis?
SLI research, including the brain donation program, is conducted at the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at Boston University School of Medicine, a collaboration between the Sports Legacy Institute, Boston University school of Medicine, and the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Bedford, MA.
Click here to learn how to participate.
SLI and BU Studies
- Brain Donation Registry: A registry of current and former athletes and military personnel who wish to donate their brain and spinal cord to the BU CSTE after death. For more information on the brain donation registry, please contact Christine Baugh at 617-638-6143 or cbaugh@bu.edu.
- LEGEND (Longitudinal Examination to Gather Evidence of Neurodegenerative Disease): Participants in the LEGEND study take part in yearly telephone interviews as well as yearly online questionnaires. They also have the opportunity to provide a saliva sample for genetic testing. Both those with and without a history of concussions can participate in the LEGEND study. If you are interested in participating in LEGEND, please contact Christine Baugh at 617-638-6143 or cbaugh@bu.edu.
- DETECT (Diagnosis and Evaluation of Traumatic Encephalopathy with Clinical Tests): This study is the first research project on CTE ever funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with support from the National Institute of Neurologic Diseases and Stroke (NINDS), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). The ultimate goal of this study is to develop methods of diagnosing CTE during life through the use of a variety of tests, including MRI scans (such as diffusion tensor imaging), MRS scans (also known as a “virtual biopsy”), blood tests, and measures of proteins in spinal fluid. Participants will also undergo neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive assessments, as well as genetic testing. The study will include 150 former NFL players (ages 40-69) and 50 same-age “control” athletes who played non-contact sports. Recruitment will be starting in November 2011. For more information or if you are interested in participating please contact Christine Baugh, Research Coordinator at cbaugh@bu.edu.
- VA CSTE Brain Bank: Family members of deceased athletes may donate their loved one’s brain and spinal cord after their death to the VA CSTE Brain Bank to be examined neuropathologically for evidence of CTE or other disorders of the central nervous system. The family member(s) will be interviewed for a history of their loved one, including their loved one’s athletic and concussion history, educational and occupational history, medical history and history of cognitive, behavioral, and mood symptoms. To learn more, please contact Christine Baugh at 617-638-6143 or cbaugh@bu.edu.
Other Important Studies:
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Research: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, is now enrolling males and females, 18 – 65 years old, who have sustained a mild TBI at least 6 months ago and continue to have memory & thinking issues.
Click here to learn more.