Using aerobic exercise to improve brain health in older adults with a history of depression
Aerobic Exercise for Optimizing Cognitive and Brain Health In Remitted Late-Life Depression
This study is looking at how regular aerobic exercise can help improve brain health and thinking skills in older adults who have dealt with depression later in life, and it involves participants joining exercise programs while their brain activity and mental abilities are monitored.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10986986 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how aerobic exercise can enhance cognitive function and brain health in older adults who have experienced late-life depression. The study will involve participants engaging in structured aerobic exercise programs while undergoing comprehensive neuroimaging and cognitive assessments. By focusing on specific brain regions and cognitive abilities that are often impaired in these individuals, the research aims to determine the effectiveness of exercise in reversing some of the negative impacts of depression on the brain. Participants will be closely monitored to assess changes in both brain health and cognitive performance throughout the trial.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have remitted late-life depression and are interested in improving their cognitive health through exercise.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently experiencing severe depression or have significant physical limitations that prevent them from participating in aerobic exercise may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new non-pharmacological interventions that improve cognitive health and reduce dementia risk in older adults with a history of depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that aerobic exercise can have positive effects on cognitive function in older adults, suggesting that this approach may be effective for those with a history of depression as well.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gujral, Swathi — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Gujral, Swathi
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.