Assessing how depression and Alzheimer's affect driving in older adults
The Impact of Depression and Preclinical Alzheimer Disease on Driving Among Older Adults (Depression and Driving)
This study is testing how depression and early signs of Alzheimer's affect driving skills in older adults to help keep them safe on the road.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT05446805 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project evaluates the impact of depression, preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD), and antidepressant use on driving behavior in cognitively normal older adults aged 65 and above. The study aims to identify individuals at risk of declining driving abilities and to predict when such declines may occur, enabling timely interventions to prevent accidents. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques and biomarker analysis, the research seeks to establish a connection between cognitive health and driving performance. The ultimate goal is to enhance road safety for older adults by understanding these relationships.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are cognitively normal adults aged 65 and older who drive at least once a week and are willing to undergo biomarker testing.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or do not actively drive will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved safety measures for older adults, reducing the risk of driving-related accidents.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies examining cognitive health and driving, this specific approach focusing on the interplay of depression and preclinical AD in older adults is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Drive on average at least once per week * Has a valid driver's license * Willing to complete blood draw * Willing to complete either lumbar puncture or PET imaging * 65 years or older * Speaks English Exclusion Criteria: * Not willing to complete blood draw and/or one other biomarker * Less than 65 years of age * Does not drive a vehicle/ is no longer actively driving
Where this trial is running
St Louis, Missouri
- Washington University School of Medicine — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ganesh Babulal, PhD, OTD — Washington University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Samantha Murphy, MA
- Email: msamantha@wustl.edu
- Phone: (314) 286-2435
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.