Understanding how depression affects thinking in older adults
Official title: Emotional Cognition: Establishing Constructs and Neural-Behavioral Mechanisms in Older Adults with Depression (ENSURE)
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10809673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how depression affects thinking in older adults, hoping to find ways to help improve their mental skills and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $199,511 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH130870-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10809673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who are experiencing major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing depression or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cognitive challenges faced by older adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), focusing on both emotional and non-emotional thinking processes. By examining how these cognitive functions are affected, the study aims to identify specific brain mechanisms that contribute to these challenges. Participants may undergo assessments that evaluate their cognitive abilities and emotional processing, which could lead to more personalized treatment approaches. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for older adults suffering from depression by improving their cognitive functioning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted treatments that improve cognitive function and overall quality of life for older adults with depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive dysfunction in depression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcclintock, Shawn M — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mcclintock, Shawn M
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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.