Investigating how inflammation affects thinking in people with acute depression.
Official title: The role of inflammation in cognitive dysfunction in acute depression as determined by experimental inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alphasignaling in a randomized controlled trial.
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11021026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation might affect thinking and memory in people who are feeling very depressed, and it will test whether blocking a specific inflammation signal can help improve their mental performance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $197,605 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH132893-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with acute depression who are experiencing cognitive dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive dysfunction not related to depression or those who do not meet the criteria for acute depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between inflammation and cognitive dysfunction in individuals experiencing acute depression. By focusing on the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) signaling, the study aims to understand how inflammation may contribute to cognitive deficits, particularly in areas like psychomotor speed and executive function. Participants will be involved in a randomized controlled trial that examines the effects of inhibiting TNF-α signaling on cognitive performance during depressive episodes. The study seeks to provide insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for improving cognitive function in depressed patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that enhance cognitive function in patients suffering from acute depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a potential link between inflammation and cognitive dysfunction in depression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mac Giollabhui, Naoise — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mac Giollabhui, Naoise
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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.