Behavioral treatment for depression in older adults with cognitive decline
Engage: A Treatment for Late-Life Depression and Comorbid Executive/Cognitive Dysfunction
This study is testing a new behavioral treatment for depression in older adults with mild cognitive decline to see if it can help them feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Nevada, Las Vegas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Las Vegas, Nevada) |
| Trial ID | NCT05356611 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the Engage behavioral treatment approach for older adults suffering from late-life depression and mild cognitive impairment. It aims to determine the feasibility of this treatment method, which has previously shown effectiveness in addressing depression in older populations. Participants will be older adults aged 60 and above, who will undergo assessments to confirm their eligibility based on depression and cognitive function scores. The study will take place at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where participants will attend regular visits for treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60 or older with clinically significant depression and mild cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with active suicidal ideation, psychosis, or those currently receiving psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a tailored approach to managing depression in older adults with cognitive decline, improving their mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While there are adaptations for mental health treatments in older adults, this specific approach is novel and aims to address a unique barrier posed by cognitive decline.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 60 or older
* Ability to read, write, and speak English
* Located in Las Vegas or surrounding area
* Ability to travel to UNLV campus by self or possible caregiver for regular study visits
* Clinically significant symptoms of depression as evidenced by: 1) Scores \> 5 on the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF)
* Mild cognitive impairment as evidenced by: 1) Scores \> 18 and \< 25 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Active suicidal ideation
* History of suicide attempt(s)
* Current symptoms of: 1) Psychosis; 2) Active substance use disorder
* Reported history of: 1) Bipolar disorder ("manic depression"); 2) Intellectual disability
* Currently in or scheduled to initiate individual psychotherapy to avoid treatment interference
* Psychotropic medication permitted if dose was stable over the past 2 weeks
* Currently living in an institutional setting (e.g., assisted living, inpatient, skilled nursing)
* Presence of notable memory-specific cognitive deficits as evidenced by: scores \< 9 on the MoCA memory subscale (rendering it difficult to participate in and track/recall events for weekly psychotherapy)
Where this trial is running
Las Vegas, Nevada
- University of Nevada — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brenna R Renn, PhD
- Email: brenna.renn@unlv.edu
- Phone: 7028950596
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.