Identifying depression in people with aphasia using laboratory tests
Validating non-linguistic laboratory biomarkers of depression in persons with aphasia
This study is looking for better ways to spot depression in people with aphasia, who have trouble with language, by using simple tests that measure things like heart rate and eye movements instead of traditional questionnaires.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10987275 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how to effectively identify depression in individuals with aphasia, a condition that affects language abilities. Traditional methods of assessing depression, such as questionnaires, are challenging for these patients due to their language difficulties. Instead, the study will explore three laboratory-based biomarkers—heart-rate variability, pupil dilation, and gaze duration—to see if they can reliably indicate depression in this population. By using these non-linguistic measures, the research aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of depression in individuals with aphasia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with aphasia who may also be experiencing symptoms of depression.
Not a fit: Patients without aphasia or those who do not exhibit depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and accessible methods for diagnosing depression in individuals with aphasia, ultimately improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of laboratory biomarkers for depression assessment is gaining interest, this specific approach in aphasia patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashaie, Sameer Afzal — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Ashaie, Sameer Afzal
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.