Cognitive Enhancement in Recurrent Depression
NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health
About This Grant
ABSTRACT Late-life depression (LLD) is a heterogeneous neuropsychiatric disorder that can take a chronic and recurrent course. Executive dysfunction (i.e., difficulties with complex mental tasks and planning) is prominent in recurrent LLD, persists despite remission of depressive symptoms, and corresponds with increased risk of cognitive decline and transition to dementia. Past work demonstrates executive function deficits are related to changes in the underlying structure and function of the brain’s executive control network (ECN). Combining targeted cognitive-enhancing interventions aimed at promoting neuroplasticity may strengthen the underlying ECN, thereby improving executive function performance. Multi-modal approaches using cognitive training and non- invasive neuromodulation (i.e., transcranial direct current stimulation; tDCS) support cognitive benefits in older adults. However, previous research used more general executive function-based cognitive training, while the current study proposes a targeted cognitive training (TCT) intervention that was created to specifically address executive function deficits found in LLD. Combining this with tDCS applied to the frontal lobes may help to maximally engage and benefit executive function-based cognitive and neural functions. The proposed study aims to identify cognitive and neural changes elicited by a multi-modal cognitive- enhancing intervention using a randomized clinical trial pilot study design. Sixty non-demented older adults presenting with executive dysfunction and recurrent LLD will undergo a 4-week daily intervention contrasting the effects of three conditions (bifrontal active tDCS+TCT, sham tDCS+TCT, and sham tDCS+non-targeted control cognitive training (CT)) on measures of executive functioning and ECN brain connectivity pre- and post- intervention. Specific aims are to determine whether stepwise ECN engagement across randomized groups (active tDCS+TCT > sham tDCS+TCT > sham tDCS+control CT) results in progressively greater benefit to executive functions (Aim 1) and functional connectivity between ECN regions (Aim 2). We will also explore whether intervention-related changes in ECN relates with executive function performance (Exploratory Aim) and changes in depressive symptoms. Resultant data will enhance understanding of mechanisms underlying this multi-modal cognitive-enhancing intervention in recurrent LLD and inform a more definitive randomized, mechanistically-focused clinical trial via an R01. This K23 will support my career development goals of building expertise in 1) delivery and optimization of multi-modal non-pharmacological interventions to enhance cognition, 2) functional connectivity neuroimaging analysis in LLD, and 3) clinical trials development, implementation, and management. Study results will establish the necessary groundwork for my development as an independent investigator focused on multi-modal targeting of the ECN (via TCT, tDCS) to enhance brain and cognitive functions in LLD, with goals of understanding mechanism, personalizing treatments, and altering the trajectory of cognitive decline to reduce dementia risk.
Grant Summary
Cognitive Enhancement in Recurrent Depression is a NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health grant providing up to $187K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2031-04-30 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $187K
2031-04-30
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Cognitive Enhancement in Recurrent Depression from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health before the deadline.
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Cognitive Enhancement in Recurrent Depression: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Cognitive Enhancement in Recurrent Depression?
Cognitive Enhancement in Recurrent Depression is offered by NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Cognitive Enhancement in Recurrent Depression provide?
Cognitive Enhancement in Recurrent Depression provides up to $187K per award from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Cognitive Enhancement in Recurrent Depression deadline?
Applications for Cognitive Enhancement in Recurrent Depression are due 2031-04-30 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Cognitive Enhancement in Recurrent Depression?
To apply for Cognitive Enhancement in Recurrent Depression, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health.