STUDY BASICS
Are you age 65 or older? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand age-related changes to the small blood vessels in the brain. Participants in this study may or may not be depressed. Study participation involves a comprehensive mental health evaluation and MRI scans. Compensation is provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
Depression is a serious illness that affects about 2 million older adults each year. Symptoms of depression include feeling sad or hopeless, loss of interest in hobbies and activities, and changes in appetite. People with depression may also have suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Researchers do not fully understand depression in older adults, but some evidence suggests that age-related changes to the small blood vessels in the brain may play a role.
The purpose of this study is to help better understand brain processes in older adults with and without depression. Researchers hope their findings will lead to better ways to manage and treat depression in older adults in the future.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Men and women
- Ages 65 and up
- May or may not have depression
- Able and willing to undergo MRI scanning (no non-removable metal in your body, not claustrophobic, etc.)
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
All participants will complete an initial screening visit that will last up to 1.5 hours and includes evaluations of mood, memory, and medical conditions. If you are eligible after the screening visit, you will be scheduled for an MRI scanning visit that will last about 2 hours. MRI scans are not invasive and do not use radiation.
Car service may be provided for participants who do not have reliable transportation.
IRB: STUDY19120218
- High Performance Ultrahigh Field Imaging for Characterization of Small Vessel Disease in Vascular DepressionMEET THE RESEARCHER
Howard J. Aizenstein
Howard J. Aizenstein, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Dr. Aizenstein’s research interests include identifying key brain structures associated with affective and cognitive processing, and how these change over time with and without intervention.