Investigating dopamine's role in depression among older adults
2/2-Dopaminergic Dysfunction in Late-Life Depression (The D3 Study)
This study is looking at how problems with dopamine might affect older adults with late-life depression, especially in areas like motivation, thinking, and movement, and it will also see if a medication called levodopa can help improve these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10867309 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how dopamine dysfunction affects older adults suffering from late-life depression. It aims to explore the impact of dopamine on motivation, cognitive abilities, and physical movement, which are often impaired in this population. The study will utilize advanced imaging techniques and behavioral assessments to analyze dopamine's role across different systems in the brain. Additionally, it will investigate how treatment with levodopa (L-DOPA) may improve these deficits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing symptoms of late-life depression, particularly those with cognitive and mobility challenges.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing late-life depression or those with other primary psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for late-life depression, enhancing the quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding dopamine's role in depression, but this specific focus on late-life depression and its multifaceted impact is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Warren D — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Warren D
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.