Identifying depression in people with aphasia using laboratory tests
Official title: Validating non-linguistic laboratory biomarkers of depression in persons with aphasia
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-10987275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $344,357 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD111008-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987275 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with aphasia who may also be experiencing symptoms of depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without aphasia or those who do not exhibit depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
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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.