Understanding Memory Changes in Older Adults with Depression
Official title: Characterizing Cognitive Decline in Late Life Depression: The ADNI-D Project
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11089367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores why older adults with depression sometimes experience faster memory decline and how it relates to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2013 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $810,454 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH098062-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for future related studies might be older adults experiencing depression or those without depression who are interested in contributing to research on memory and brain health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cognitive decline is clearly not related to late-life depression or Alzheimer's disease may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
Many older adults with depression experience a faster decline in their memory and thinking abilities, and we want to understand why this happens. It can be challenging to tell if these memory changes are due to depression itself or if they are an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. Our project collects detailed information, including genetic data, memory tests, and brain scans like PET and MRI, from older adults who have experienced depression. By looking closely at brain changes and other factors, we aim to clarify how depression contributes to memory problems, separate from the effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to identify and treat memory problems in older adults with depression, potentially slowing or preventing dementia.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds upon previous work that has already shown accelerated cognitive decline in late-life depression, suggesting a promising foundation for further understanding.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Attenuating Depression with Internet CBT to Slow Cognitive Decline in Older ICU Survivors
A new online cognitive behavioral therapy program is being tested to help older ICU survivors who are experiencing depressive symptoms and may be at risk for cognitive decline.
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Understanding cognitive decline in late-life depression and Alzheimer's risk
This project follows older adults with late-life depression to see how brain changes and Alzheimer’s risk factors relate to memory loss over time.
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Internet CBT to reduce depression and memory decline after an ICU stay
This project offers online cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce depression and slow thinking and memory problems in older adults who survived an intensive care unit stay.
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Investigating how depression affects cognitive decline in older African Americans
This study is looking at how depression and inflammation might affect thinking skills in African Americans aged 85 and older who are not experiencing dementia, with the goal of finding ways to help reduce the risk of dementia in this group.
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Using online therapy to help older ICU survivors with depression and cognitive decline
This study is looking at whether online therapy can help older adults who have been in intensive care feel better mentally and improve their thinking skills, especially focusing on those from different backgrounds.
-
Biotype-based Personalization of Antidepressant Augmentation in Late-Life Depression
A multi-site study will test a computer-guided approach to choosing the best augmentation option for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.
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.