Gerontological Nursing Interventions Research Center (GNIRC)

Title:  5-HTT Polymorphism, Chronic Stress and Depression in Alzheimer’s Caregivers:
A K01 Pilot Study

Principal Investigator: Mary LuAnne Lilly, PhD, RN

Study Site: Indiana University

Abstract

Caregivers for persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder (ADRD) are at increased risk for developing depression, a debilitating, and deadly condition that robs sufferers of quality of life and exacts tremendous social and economic costs. Risk factors for developing depression range from stressful life events to psychosocial and health status variables, to family history and genetics; although our understanding of the individual and combined effects of these risk factors is incomplete. Continued efforts to clarify and quantify the risk associated with these multiple factors for caregivers of patients with ADRD is essential in order to develop cost-effective approaches to prevention and treatment, thereby sparing individuals, families, and society the direct and indirect resource drain known to accompany depressive illness.

This proposed pilot study will allow for mentor-guided and facilitated knowledge/skill development activities, laboratory practice, and data collection for a small (N=30) sample, all of which are needed to address reviewer comments from the K01 feedback, Fall 2005. The purpose of this pilot study is to obtain preliminary data on ADRD caregiver genotype, cortisol level, stress, depression, personality, social support, and other demographic variables; to receive statistical consultation related to race and gender; and to determine participant burden in completing the data collection process.

Objectives of the pilot study are a) acquire expertise in genotyping, specifically the serotonin transporter, and in completing the cortisol assay, b) acquire expertise in administering, scoring, and interpreting the DIGS and NEO-PI, c) acquire consultation and expertise in statistical methods, and analysis specific to genetic studies, and d) complete data collection on 30 caregivers of persons with ADRD, including the determination of average amount of time for data collection/self-reported participant burden.  Accomplishing these objectives will help to address reviewer comments from the applicant's K01 submission NIH/NINR (received Fall 2005), of utmost importance for resubmission purposes.

The career goal of the applicant is to become an independent investigator of how psychobiological variables like genetics, personality, and health status interact with environmental variables in minimizing or exacerbatig the risk for depression outcomes in caregivers for patients with ADRD. This project is congruent with NIH/NINR and GNIRC/HCGNE stated research priorities.