Investigating how ketamine affects depression and brain changes in Veterans with Parkinson's disease
Official title: Examining ketamine effects on depression, neuroplasticity, and inflammation in Veterans with Parkinson's disease
Funded at Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco · NIH-10798850 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how ketamine might help improve mood and brain flexibility in Veterans with Parkinson's disease who are dealing with depression, and it aims to find better ways to treat their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1IK2CX002606-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10798850 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who also suffer from depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or those not experiencing depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of ketamine on depression and neuroplasticity in Veterans suffering from Parkinson's disease. It aims to understand how ketamine may improve depressive symptoms by targeting inflammation and enhancing brain adaptability. The study will involve assessing the relationship between neuroplasticity, inflammation, and depression in this population, utilizing advanced methodologies to measure brain activity and mood changes. By focusing on these interconnected factors, the research seeks to develop more effective treatments for depression in Parkinson's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for Veterans with Parkinson's disease who experience depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using ketamine for treating depression, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bradley, Ellen R — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Bradley, Ellen R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Brain circuit activity in Parkinson's linked to depression
This project looks for specific brain signals in people with Parkinson's that relate to depression and that might show who could get mood benefit from deep brain stimulation.
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Targeting the brain changes that cause depression in Parkinson's
Using brain PET and MRI scans, researchers will look for specific synapse and network changes linked to depression in people with Parkinson's and try treatments aimed at those changes.
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Investigating how brain activity in the basal ganglia relates to depression in Parkinson's disease
This study is looking at how depression affects the brains of people with Parkinson's disease to find better ways to help them feel better, especially through a treatment called deep brain stimulation.
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Exploring the brain mechanisms of depression in Parkinson's disease
This study is looking at how depression affects the brains of people with Parkinson's disease to find out what’s happening in their brains and help create better treatments for them.
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Investigating how low doses of ketamine can help treat Parkinson's disease
This study is looking at how low doses of ketamine might help people with Parkinson's disease feel better and manage their symptoms, especially since it could offer a new option beyond the usual treatments.
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Exploring how low doses of ketamine can help treat Parkinson's disease
This study is looking at how low doses of ketamine might help people with Parkinson's disease by reducing unwanted movements that can happen with regular treatments, and it will involve some infusions and check-ups to see how it affects their symptoms and brain activity.
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.