Depression and chronic pain: targets to prevent Alzheimer's disease and related disorders
Official title: Project 2: Depression and chronic pain: Modifiable targets for prevention of AD/ADRD
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11399292 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large, multi-year project will study how depression and chronic pain influence the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders in adults 21 and older, using real-world health data and surveys.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $677,572 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AG082653-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399292 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older with depression, chronic pain, or a risk of AD/ADRD who are undergoing standard medical care and can provide consent for data use and follow-up.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without depression, chronic pain, or risk factors for AD/ADRD may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how mood and pain may affect brain aging and dementia risk over time. Researchers will study electronic health records, surveys, and genetic information to understand how depression and its treatment, along with chronic pain, contribute to cognitive decline and AD/ADRD. The work will compare different populations and study designs to estimate these effects more accurately. The findings could guide better prevention strategies for people at higher risk due to mood disorders and pain. The study is led by Boston University Medical Campus and involves a team of experts over a five-year period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to improved strategies to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s-related conditions by effectively treating depression and managing chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Past research has linked depression and pain to higher dementia risk, but this project aims to provide clearer, bias-controlled estimates using diverse data sources.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilsanz, Paola — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Gilsanz, Paola
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This study is looking at how untreated depression and chronic pain might affect memory and thinking skills, especially in older adults and those from underserved communities, to help find better ways to prevent Alzheimer's and related conditions.
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.