From mood to memory: how antidepressants impact on Alzheimer’s disease progression.

About the research project

Depression is a common neuropsychiatric symptom in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), often emerging in the early to middle stages of the condition. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently prescribed to manage depressive symptoms due to their favourable safety profile and tolerability in older adults. Emerging evidence suggests that SSRIs may influence AD pathology and progression, yet their precise role remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of SSRIs on pathological and functional outcomes in AD, integrating clinical and preclinical approaches to enhance translational relevance. We will analyse large-scale clinical databases containing information on SSRI use, cognitive performance, neuroimaging, and serum biomarkers to identify which SSRIs are associated with reduced disease burden in Australians living with AD. These findings will inform the design of mechanistic studies using male and female 3xTg AD mice, a well-characterised model of AD. Mice will receive either acute or chronic SSRI treatment, with comparisons made to untreated controls. Monthly assessments of cognitive and motor function will be conducted, alongside serial blood sampling for biomarker analysis. Following 8 weeks of SSRI exposure, brain tissue will be collected to evaluate amyloid and tau pathology, blood-brain barrier integrity, and glial reactivity. This approach will allow us to determine whether SSRI exposure alters key pathological features of AD and identify potential mechanisms underlying these effects. By directly linking clinical observations with mechanistic outcomes, this research will clarify the role of SSRIs in AD progression and support the development of evidence-based strategies for managing depression in dementia.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Jenna Ziebell

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

Fundamental understanding of neuroscience

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

Practical experience in a PC2 laboratory

Basic animal handling skills

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Jenna Ziebell to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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