VISN 20 Northwest MIRECC


Clinical Research
The NW MIRECC, conducts clinical research that seeks new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent psychiatric conditions that frequently trouble Veterans. This research entails a range of creative study methods, including cutting-edge measurements of brain structure and function (e.g., DTI, fcMRI, fMRI, FDG-PET, PET, MPF mapping) and the comprehensive evaluation of psychotherapy interventions. We are a leader in the safe performance of research lumbar punctures and in the innovative application of a common blood pressure medication (i.e., prazosin) for a number of distressing conditions.
For this work, we are looking for volunteers who have not served in the military and for Veterans who served at a variety of times and who have experienced a variety of service-related conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), posttraumatic headaches, neurodegeneration and dementia, and Gulf War Veterans’ illness.
Research Studies by Topic
For more information on our research, click on the research topics below.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a condition that people commonly develop after experiencing a traumatic or life-threatening event. This condition, which is especially common among combat Veterans, is primarily characterized by the ongoing emergence of upsetting memories of a traumatic event, increased jumpiness, and trouble sleeping.
To learn more about our PTSD research, eligibility, and compensation, click on the study names below:
Prevention of Neurodegeneration and Dementia Study for mild or moderate TBI and PTSD (PoND 1.0)
- To learn how the medication prazosin changes the levels of proteins associated with dementia
Prospective Memory Study
- To learn how memory, concentration, and attention are affected by PTSD and brain injury
Iris Receptors as Indicators of Noradrenaline Sensitivity Study (IRIS)
- To learn how changes in the brain after trauma lead to PTSD and how those changes might be related to vision
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion
An mTBI is caused when a person receives a blow to the head and experiences a concussion. People may receive mTBIs from participating in contact sports, motor-vehicle accidents, domestic violence, or military combat. Many Veterans in the Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts received mTBIs that were caused by the blasts from improvised explosive devices. Individuals with mTBI often have thinking, physical, and social trouble, as well as headaches. Note that in some studies we are also enrolling participants who have a more severe form of TBI called moderate TBI.
To learn more about our mTBI research, eligibility, and compensation, click on the study names below:
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Study
- To learn how blast traumas and other concussions affect the brain
Prevention of Neurodegeneration and Dementia Study for mild or moderate TBI and PTSD (PoND 1.0)
- To learn how the medication prazosin changes the levels of proteins associated with dementia
Posttraumatic Headaches Study
- To learn whether the medication prazosin helps relieve posttraumatic headaches
Posttraumatic Headaches
Headaches are the most common consequence of mTBI. In some cases, these headaches can become very frequent and severe, often to the point of being disabling and resistant to usual medical therapies.
To learn more about our posttraumatic headache research, eligibility, and compensation, click on the study names below:
Posttraumatic Headaches Study
- To learn whether the medication prazosin helps relieve posttraumatic headaches
Neurodegeneration and dementia
Dementia occurs when people experience ongoing changes to their brain that result in a loss of intellectual abilities, such as decreased memory capacity, personality changes, and impaired reasoning. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but many other disorders, including TBI and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), can result in dementia.
To learn more about our dementia research, eligibility, and compensation, click on the study names below:
Prevention of Neurodegeneration and Dementia Study for mild or moderate TBI and PTSD (PoND 1.0)
- To learn how the medication prazosin changes the levels of proteins associated with dementia
Prevention of Neurodegeneration and Dementia Study for Healthy Aging (PoND 2.0)
- To learn how the medication prazosin changes the levels of proteins associated with dementia in participants over the age of 45
Gulf War Veteran’s Illness
Gulf War Veterans’ illness, as its name suggests, is a condition experienced by Veterans of the Gulf War. This condition consists of a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms that can include but are not limited to fatigue, headaches, joint pain, gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorder, and memory problems.
To learn more about our Gulf War Veterans’ illness research, eligibility, and compensation, click on the study names below:
Gulf War Veterans' Illness Study
- To learn the effects of Gulf War Veterans’ illness
Research Studies by Volunteer Type
For more information regarding volunteering for a research project, click on the different volunteer types below.
Veterans with TBI and/or combat-related PTSD
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Study
- To learn how blast traumas and other concussions affect the brain
Prospective Memory Study
- To learn how memory, concentration, and attention are affected by PTSD and brain injury
Prevention of Neurodegeneration and Dementia Study for mild or moderate TBI and PTSD (PoND 1.0)
- To learn how the medication prazosin changes the levels of proteins associated with dementia
Posttraumatic Headaches Study
- To learn whether the medication prazosin helps relieve posttraumatic headaches
Iris Receptors as Indicators of Noradrenaline Sensitivity Study (IRIS)
- To learn how changes in the brain after trauma lead to PTSD and how those changes might be related to vision
Veterans without TBI and/or combat-related PTSD
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Study
- To learn how blast traumas and other concussions affect the brain
Iris Receptors as Indicators of Noradrenaline Sensitivity Study (IRIS)
- To learn how changes in the brain after trauma lead to PTSD and how those changes might be related to vision
Prevention of Neurodegeneration and Dementia Study for Healthy Aging (PoND 2.0)
- To learn how the medication prazosin changes the levels of proteins associated with dementia in participants over the age of 45
Veterans that served between August 1990-1991 and were not deployed to OEF/OIF/OND
Gulf War Veterans’ Illness Study
- To learn the effects of Gulf War Veterans’ illness
Community Members with and without TBI
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Study
- To learn how blast traumas and other concussions affect the brain
Community Members that are older than 45 years old with and without mild cognitive impairment or dementia
Prevention of Neurodegeneration and Dementia Study for Healthy Aging (PoND 2.0)
- To learn how the medication prazosin changes the levels of proteins associated with dementia in participants over the age of 45
News, Publications, and Findings
Hundreds of Veterans have participated in clinical research studies at the NW MIRECC. Because of their generosity, we have made significant findings related to PTSD, mTBI, posttraumatic headaches, neurodegeneration and dementia, and Gulf War Veterans’ illness. Over the past two decades, our work has led to the discovery that prazosin, a medication originally used to treat high blood pressure, is very effective for treating PTSD symptoms. This medication is now prescribed to over 100,000 active-duty Servicemembers and Veterans. You can read more about prazosin, wartime brain injuries, and our current study to treat post-TBI headaches in this recent NBC article which features the director of the NW MIRECC, Dr. Murray Raskind.
Check back soon for more information concerning our publications and clinical research findings at the NW MIRECC.
For more information about the VA Puget Sound NW MIRECC, contact us at 206.277.5566; for more information about the Portland NW MIRECC, contact us at 503.220.3481.