Investigating how depression may speed up brain aging using PET imaging.
Official title: Depression and accelerated brain aging: A PET imaging study
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10875462 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how major depression might speed up aging in the brain over 25 years for adults between 40 and 65, using special brain scans to see if there are early signs of dementia related to depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,011,492 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH118728-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875462 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 40 to 65 who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 40 or do not have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between major depressive disorder (MDD) and accelerated brain aging by utilizing advanced PET imaging techniques. It aims to understand how depression affects synaptic density and brain structure over a 25-year period in adults aged 40 to 65. By measuring synaptic vesicle glycoprotein levels, the study seeks to identify potential early indicators of dementia linked to depression. Participants will undergo imaging to assess changes in brain function and structure associated with their mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for depression and its long-term effects on brain health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between depression and brain aging, but this study represents a novel approach by using in vivo imaging to quantify synaptic density in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Esterlis, Irina — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Esterlis, Irina
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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.