Understanding Memory Changes in Older Adults with Depression
Characterizing Cognitive Decline in Late Life Depression: The ADNI-D Project
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 ID | NIH-11089367 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
San Francisco, United States
- 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
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 below.