Skip to main content

Reseach Projects

The Neuropsychology and Applied Neuroimaging Lab at UMSL is currently involved in multiple research studies. Below is a brief description of our ongoing research activities. These studies are funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Drug Abuse, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.

Identifying neuropsychological and neuroimaging markers of cognition in advanced age


Project SMART (Study of Memory and Age-Related Tractography): Principle Investigator: Rob Paul

This study is funded by NIH-NINDS and involves a five year investigation of biological and neurological markers of �normal aging�. The study examines the integrity of the white matter in older individuals in the context of genetic vulnerability to microvascular disease. The study includes quantified diffusion tractography, MRI morphometry and quantified white matter hypertensities. Key collaborators include investigators at Harvard Medical School, Washington University Medical School, and Brown University. If you are over the age of 50 and interested in participating in the study please contact the lab at (314) 516-5398.

Impact of HIV-HCV co-infection on the brain.


Project Image: Principle Investigator: Rob Paul

This study is funded by NIH-NIDA and involves a neuroimaging investigation of brain changes associated with HIV and hepatitis C infection. The study involves the use of functional MRI to identify the integrity of key brain regions believed to be impacted by co-infection. We are also investigating the relationship between liver disease associated with hepatitis C and brain changes as visualized on MRI and observed on neuropsychological tests. If you are interested in participating in the study please contact the lab at (314) 516-5398.


International studies of HIV


Neurocognitive consequences of clade C HIV in Southern India: Principle Investigator: Timothy Flanigan

This study is funded by NIH-NIMH and involves neuropsychological and neuroimaging changes associated with clade C HIV. Most information known about the impact of HIV on the CNS has been conducted among individuals infected with the clade B genetic strain of HIV, and there is a belief that clade C HIV may be less neurovirulent. However, in preliminary studies we have demonstrated that neuropsychological skills are significantly impaired among individuals with clade C HIV living in Southern India. Along with our collaborators at YRG CARE in Chennai, India and collaborators at Brown Medical School and Harvard Medical School we are now identifying the neuroimaging and neuropsychological signatures of clade C HIV.


Project PREDICT - Principle Investigator: Kiat Ruxrungtham

This study is funded by the NIH-NIAID and NIMH and involves a clinical trial to determine the neuropsychological outcome of children who begin treatment of HIV with more stable immune systems compared to children who begin treatment only after their immune systems are more compromised. This study is being conducted in Thailand and Cambodia, and involves multiple sites in each country. Children between the ages of 2-12 years are eligible for the study. Key collaborators include investigators at the University of Hawaii, and The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand research collaborative.