Understanding Depression After Stroke
Official title: Deciphering Molecular Mechanisms of Post-Stroke Depression in Aged Mice
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11158948 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how depression develops after a stroke, especially in older individuals, by looking at brain changes and potential protective factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $726,328 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG088518-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11158948 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research focuses on understanding the disease mechanisms, so it is not directly recruiting patients at this time, but future clinical applications would target stroke survivors experiencing or at risk for depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or do not have post-stroke depression would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Stroke is a major cause of disability, and many survivors experience depression, which can worsen recovery and increase health risks. This work aims to understand the specific brain changes that lead to depression after a stroke, particularly focusing on how the immune system, inflammation, and brain cell growth are affected. Researchers are also looking into the roles of natural brain chemicals like oxytocin and taurine, which may help reduce inflammation and improve brain health. By understanding these processes, we hope to find new ways to prevent or treat post-stroke depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments or strategies to prevent depression in stroke survivors, improving their quality of life and recovery.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms are still being explored, other studies have highlighted the importance of immune responses and neurochemicals in mood disorders and stroke recovery.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venna, Venugopal Reddy — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Venna, Venugopal Reddy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Combining rTMS and aerobic exercise to help post-stroke depression and walking
A new approach tests whether adding aerobic exercise to rTMS can reduce depression after stroke and improve walking.
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Understanding why post-stroke depression happens in older mice
A study in aged mice investigates how stroke can lead to depression and what biological changes drive it, with a focus on the roles of oxytocin and taurine.
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rTMS plus aerobic exercise for post‑stroke depression and walking recovery
This project combines repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with aerobic exercise to try to reduce depression and improve walking for people after a stroke.
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Preventing depression in older stroke survivors through behavioral activation
This study is testing a friendly online program designed to help older adults who have had a stroke stay active and engaged in enjoyable activities to prevent feelings of depression, especially for those who may be struggling financially.
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Understanding how stroke affects depression in older mice
This study is looking at how a stroke can lead to depression in older mice, focusing on how the body's immune response and inflammation play a role, and it hopes to find ways to use natural substances like oxytocin and taurine to help improve mood and recovery for people who have had a stroke.
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Using exercise and brain stimulation to help people with depression after a stroke
This study is looking at whether doing aerobic exercise along with a special treatment called rTMS can help people who are feeling depressed after a stroke feel better and recover more effectively.
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.