Understanding how serotonin affects energy production in diabetes, depression, and dementia
Official title: Serotonin modulated mitochondrial dysfunction in Depression Diabetes and Dementia (3Ds)
Funded at Texas Tech University · NIH-10766747 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low serotonin levels might affect energy production in people with diabetes, depression, and Alzheimer's disease, and it will also test if a common medication can help improve their health and well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $533,727 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG071560-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10766747 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with diabetes, depression, and/or dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any of these conditions or those who do not respond to serotonin-modulating treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between serotonin levels and mitochondrial function in patients with diabetes, depression, and dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. It aims to uncover how low serotonin may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which can worsen cognitive and physical health. The study will explore the potential of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like citalopram, to improve mitochondrial health and overall patient outcomes. By examining these connections, the research seeks to provide insights into better treatment strategies for these interconnected conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from diabetes, depression, and dementia, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of serotonin in mental health and metabolic disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hegde, Vijay Karkal — Texas Tech University
- Study coordinator: Hegde, Vijay Karkal
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Serotonin and cell energy in depression, diabetes, and Alzheimer's
Looks at whether fixing serotonin-linked cell energy problems can help people with depression, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.
-
Insomnia, Depression, and Sleep Medications in Mild Cognitive Impairment Leading to Dementia
This project looks at how sleep problems and depression, along with the medicines used to treat them, may affect the progression from mild cognitive issues to dementia in older adults.
-
Understanding cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s changes in people with long‑duration type 1 diabetes
A long-term study in adults with type 1 diabetes investigates why some people experience memory and thinking difficulties and brain changes typical of Alzheimer's disease.
-
How Medicaid Postpartum Coverage and PPD Screening Could Improve Diabetes and Blood Pressure Care After Birth
A large NIH grant is studying how extending Medicaid after birth and mandating postpartum depression screening affect care for women with gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related high blood pressure.
-
Morning activation deficits and depression in dementia caregivers
Aims to understand why some older family caregivers of people with dementia feel depressed in the mornings and whether this can be changed.
-
Circuit-based brain stimulation to help memory and mood in older adults with Alzheimer’s dementia
A new NIH project tests safe, multi-channel brain stimulation to improve memory and mood for older adults with mild Alzheimer’s-related dementia.
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.