Neuromodulation clues in late-life depression and its impact on mood, thinking, and daily function

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

Researchers at UCSF will examine how changes in brainstem and basal forebrain networks related to mood and alertness contribute to depression, slower thinking, and physical frailty in older adults. The project uses imaging and clinical assessments to map neuromodulatory system abnormalities and their connections to mood, cognition, and motor function. By understanding these links, the team aims to identify early markers that predict risk of cognitive decline and functional loss in late-life depression. Participants may include older adults with or without depression, followed over time to observe how neuromodulatory changes relate to outcomes. The ultimate goal is to inform earlier interventions to improve mood, cognitive health, and daily functioning.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of California, San Francisco
  San Francisco, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Mackin, Robert Scott — University of California, San Francisco
• Study coordinator: Mackin, Robert Scott

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About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.