# The role of late life depression in cognitive decline and Alzheimer's Disease risk

> **NIH NIH R01** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $275,967

## Abstract

The role of late life depression in cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease risk
Abstract
The risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease increases by three-fold for people who experience symptoms of
depression in older age. Therefore, depression is thought to be a modifiable risk factor or early indicator of
Alzheimer’s Disease. Yet, the link between depression and Alzheimer’s Disease is poorly understood. The aim
of this administrative supplement to parent R01 MH128286 is to elucidate the link between depression and
Alzheimer’s Disease. In Aim 1, we will identify brain mechanisms that are shared between depression and
cognitive decline in older age. In Aim 2, we will determine the pathway through which depression impacts the
development of Alzheimer’s Disease pathophysiology by comparing models to assess whether depression is
an independent risk factor, an accelerator, an early indicator, or a response to Alzheimer’s Disease. All aspects
in this administrative supplemental proposal fit within the scope of the parent R01, as we will leverage the
same cohort (UK Biobank) and data variables (neuroimaging, depression scores, cognitive tests, and genetic
risk factors). If funded, this supplement will offer a bridge to the PI to establish a track record and set up
collaborations for expanded research into Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. The follow-up R01
proposal leveraging the results from this seed funding is expected to focus on the relationship between
neuropsychiatric symptoms and preclinical markers (i.e., tau and amyloid beta) of Alzheimer’s Disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10940441
- **Project number:** 3R01MH128286-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Janine Diane Bijsterbosch
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $275,967
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-08-05 → 2027-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10940441

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10940441, The role of late life depression in cognitive decline and Alzheimer's Disease risk (3R01MH128286-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10940441. Licensed CC0.

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