Researchers and scientists are continually trying to understand more about how depression occurs in and affects older adults. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is funding studies into the effectiveness of depression education in primary care clinics. This is for the purpose of increasing the diagnosis and treatment numbers of older patients with depression, particularly those with suicidal symptoms.

Research is also ongoing in the evaluation of hormonal factors in depression in older adults, including the possibility of using hormone replacement therapy in its treatment. There is also ongoing research to further understand the causes of depression, including the changes in the brain that occur when it is present.