Sarah Szymkowicz, PhD

Project Title: “Non-invasive neuromodulation to enhance targeted cognitive remediation in older adults with depression”

In older adults, depression is associated with difficulties in learning and memory, executive function, and processing speed. Of these, declines in executive function are most prominent and correspond with a higher risk of cognitive and functional decline and transition to dementia, as well as structural and functional brain alterations. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for older adults with depression. However, both novel computerized cognitive remediation (nCCR) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have shown promise. 

Dr. Szymkowicz will research whether combining tDCS with nCCR enhances the brain activity and cognitive functions of older adults with depression, potentially leading to new treatments for depression in older adults.

Dr. Szymkowicz is a research instructor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

This research is funded by the McKnight Brain Research Foundation through the American Brain Foundation, in collaboration with the American Academy of Neurology.