How depression affects Alzheimer's disease and its origins during pregnancy

Impact of Depression on Alzheimer's disease: Prenatal Immune Origins and Shared Impact of Sex

['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-10649666

This study is looking at how depression and Alzheimer's disease might be linked, especially by exploring how things during pregnancy could play a role, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about brain health and memory changes over time.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10649666 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD), focusing on how prenatal factors may influence this relationship. By examining a unique cohort of individuals who have been followed since pregnancy, the study aims to uncover the shared biological pathways that contribute to both conditions, particularly looking at differences between sexes. The researchers will assess memory decline and brain health over time, using advanced imaging techniques to identify early signs of Alzheimer's pathology. This approach could provide valuable insights into prevention strategies for AD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 44-57 who have a history of prenatal exposure to conditions like preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the specified age range or do not have a relevant prenatal history may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease by understanding its links to depression and prenatal factors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between prenatal conditions and later cognitive outcomes, suggesting this approach may yield valuable findings.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.