Understanding how brain function affects grief in older adults

Emotion Regulation in Complicated Grief

NIH-funded research Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10764217

This study is looking at how the brain helps older adults manage their feelings after losing someone they love, to see if it can help predict who will heal from their grief and who might need more support.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-10764217 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the brain regulates emotions in older adults experiencing complicated grief after the loss of a loved one. It aims to identify neurobiological markers that can predict whether individuals will recover from acute grief or develop prolonged grief disorder. By using neuroimaging techniques, the study will analyze brain network functions related to emotion regulation and their impact on grief trajectories. The goal is to enhance understanding of grief and improve therapeutic approaches for those struggling with intense grief.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have recently experienced the death of a loved one and are exhibiting signs of acute grief.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing significant grief or who have not recently lost a loved one may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification and treatment strategies for older adults suffering from complicated grief.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological aspects of grief, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.