Exploring how depression affects brain health and cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Clarifying the association of depressive symptoms with cortico-limbic tau, cerebral blood flow, neurodegeneration, and longitudinal cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11054506
This study is looking at how depression might affect brain health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, helping us understand if and how it could speed up memory problems and possibly lead to dementia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11054506 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between depressive symptoms and brain changes in older adults who have mild cognitive impairment. It focuses on how tau protein accumulation, cerebral blood flow, and neurodegeneration relate to cognitive decline and depression. By examining these factors, the study aims to clarify the role of depression in accelerating cognitive decline and its potential links to dementia. Participants will undergo assessments to measure their depressive symptoms and brain health over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults with mild cognitive impairment who also experience symptoms of depression.
Not a fit: Patients without mild cognitive impairment or significant depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for depression in older adults, potentially slowing cognitive decline and reducing dementia risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between depression and cognitive decline, but this specific approach focusing on tau protein and cerebral blood flow is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MACKIN, ROBERT SCOTT — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: MACKIN, ROBERT SCOTT
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 below.
Conditions: aging associated disease, aging associated disorders, aging related disease