Using brain imaging to predict how older adults respond to depression treatment
Official title: Individual Multimodal Pathway Statistics for Predicting Treatment Response in Late-life Depression
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10898730 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain's structure and activity can help us figure out which older adults are most likely to benefit from antidepressants for late-life depression, so we can tailor treatments to fit their needs better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 3, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,521 |
| NIH project number | 5K01MH133913-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898730 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with late-life depression who are about to begin antidepressant treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing late-life depression or those who are not starting antidepressant treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain structure and function can help predict which older adults will respond best to antidepressant treatments for late-life depression. By using advanced MRI techniques, the study aims to identify biomarkers that indicate treatment response, allowing for more personalized treatment plans. Participants will undergo various MRI scans before starting a specific antidepressant protocol, and their clinical outcomes will be monitored to understand the relationship between brain connectivity and treatment effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for older adults suffering from depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain imaging to predict treatment responses in various mental health conditions, suggesting that this approach could be effective for late-life depression as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerlach, Andrew Robert — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Gerlach, Andrew Robert
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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.