Improving motivation in older adults with depression using digital tools
Official title: Targeting Network Dysfunction in Apathy of Late-life Depression Using Digital Therapeutics
Funded at Adventhealth Orlando · NIH-11086146 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for older adults with late-life depression who feel unmotivated, to see if special online brain exercises can help boost their motivation and improve their overall mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Adventhealth Orlando NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,090 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH129882-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086146 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who experience significant apathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have major depressive disorder or those without symptoms of apathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing apathy, a common and debilitating symptom in older adults suffering from late-life depression. The study aims to evaluate how customized digital cognitive training can target specific brain networks associated with motivation and cognitive function. By conducting a randomized controlled trial, the researchers will assess the effectiveness of this non-pharmacologic intervention in reducing apathy and improving overall mental health outcomes for older adults. Participants will engage in tailored digital exercises designed to enhance their motivation and cognitive abilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, non-drug treatments for apathy in older adults with depression, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital interventions for cognitive and motivational enhancement, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Adventhealth Orlando
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oberlin, Lauren Elizabeth — Adventhealth Orlando
- Study coordinator: Oberlin, Lauren Elizabeth
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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.