Investigating how depression affects cognitive decline in older African Americans
Official title: The role of depression in cognitive decline of oldest-old African Americans
Funded at Herbert H. Lehman College · NIH-11064842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how depression and inflammation might affect thinking skills in African Americans aged 85 and older who are not experiencing dementia, with the goal of finding ways to help reduce the risk of dementia in this group.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Herbert H. Lehman College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $107,265 |
| NIH project number | 5SC3GM144199-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African Americans aged 85 and older who are not currently diagnosed with dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 85 or those already diagnosed with dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between depression and cognitive decline in African Americans aged 85 and older, a group that is at a higher risk for dementia. The study will involve 192 non-demented community-dwelling participants and will explore how depression and chronic inflammation may influence cognitive changes over time. By examining these factors, the research aims to identify potential interventions that could mitigate dementia risk in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive decline and dementia in older African Americans.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on the oldest-old African Americans, studies have shown that addressing depression can positively impact cognitive health in older adults.
Where this research is happening
-
Herbert H. Lehman College
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guerrero-Berroa, Elizabeth — Herbert H. Lehman College
- Study coordinator: Guerrero-Berroa, Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Attenuating Depression with Internet CBT to Slow Cognitive Decline in Older ICU Survivors
A new online cognitive behavioral therapy program is being tested to help older ICU survivors who are experiencing depressive symptoms and may be at risk for cognitive decline.
-
Understanding cognitive decline in late-life depression and Alzheimer's risk
This project follows older adults with late-life depression to see how brain changes and Alzheimer’s risk factors relate to memory loss over time.
-
Internet CBT to reduce depression and memory decline after an ICU stay
This project offers online cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce depression and slow thinking and memory problems in older adults who survived an intensive care unit stay.
-
Understanding Memory Changes in Older Adults with Depression
This project explores why older adults with depression sometimes experience faster memory decline and how it relates to Alzheimer's disease.
-
Using online therapy to help older ICU survivors with depression and cognitive decline
This study is looking at whether online therapy can help older adults who have been in intensive care feel better mentally and improve their thinking skills, especially focusing on those from different backgrounds.
-
Biotype-based Personalization of Antidepressant Augmentation in Late-Life Depression
A multi-site study will test a computer-guided approach to choosing the best augmentation option for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.
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.