NICK AINSWORTH

IMH Marshall Fellow
Geriatric Psychiatrist

Meet Dr. Nick Ainsworth, an IMH Marshall Fellow and geriatric psychiatrist committed to improving the mental, physical, and cognitive health of older adults with serious psychiatric illnesses. Inspired by his clinical work with difficult-to-treat mood disorders, Dr. Ainsworth’s current research focuses on identifying the best medication strategies for managing late-life depression. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities year-round, singing, and spending time with his family.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a geriatric psychiatrist by training. I was born and raised in Vancouver, moved to Montreal for my undergraduate studies at McGill, and then returned to do my medical school, psychiatry residency, and geriatric psychiatry subspecialty training at UBC. Subsequently, I completed a clinical research fellowship at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, where I was trained in the design and implementation of clinical trials for older adults with mood disorders, before returning to UBC to join the Marshall Fellows Program.

Can you describe what kind of research you are involved in?

The overarching aim of my research is to improve mental, physical, and cognitive health outcomes in older adults suffering from serious psychiatric illness, especially mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Within this aim, my current primary focus is on improving the identification and selection of optimal medication strategies for effectively and efficiently treating late-life depression. Older adults with depression who attain relief from all symptoms (achieve remission) reduce their risk of dementia and poor physical health outcomes, and antidepressant treatment may improve some areas of cognitive function, as we showed in a meta-analysis recently published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Can you tell us about an interesting project or initiative you are working on?

I am currently running a Phase II (pilot) clinical trial of a dopamine-based challenge for depressed older adults (using the medication levodopa-carbidopa), which evaluates the relationship between changes in physical and processing speed after the challenge and the effectiveness of different classes of medication for depression. This study is the initial phase of a planned trajectory of research that will hopefully lead to more targeted and individualized treatment of late-life depression, by delving into the underlying biology of the illness and how this affects an individual’s response to different treatments.

Can you describe your role in your current Department?

I am currently a Marshall Fellow in the Institute of Mental Health, and I am pleased to share that I have been awarded a second-year renewal of my Fellowship that will start this Fall. Clinically, I am working as a geriatric psychiatrist specializing in Late-Life Mood Disorders primarily at the Mount Saint Joseph Hospital Elder Care Clinic, where I see patients with difficult-to-treat depression and bipolar disorder. I run my research clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital, where currently I am recruiting participants for my ongoing clinical trial.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most, or find most exciting?

Working with older adults suffering from psychiatric illness is both immensely rewarding and a consistently interesting challenge. The process of brain aging is one that everyone experiences but that no two individuals experience the same way. As a clinician and as a researcher, I need to remain constantly mindful of this, and to pay attention to the diversity and complexity of the people to whom I provide care. This also leads to interesting insights that fuel some of the research questions that I am currently exploring.

What is the best piece of advice you can share with colleagues new to your Department or UBC?

We have a large and diverse Department, with members who have interests and passions spanning a wide variety of areas within psychiatry and mental health.  Make sure to get involved with Department events and reach out to new colleagues who share your interests, because there’s something for everyone here. Meanwhile, don’t miss out on the chance to take advantage of the beautiful city and province we live in—it can be easy to take for granted.

What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?

I am an avid skier, hiker, and biker, which lets me enjoy our amazing outdoors 12 months of the year. I sing in a semi-professional chamber choir called Laudate Singers. Meanwhile, my wife and I have two young boys who keep us busy at home!

If you are an IMH member and would like to share more about yourself and your research with the community, please contact Megan Rollerson, Manager, Communications and Partnerships, at megan.rollerson@ubc.ca.