Combining cognitive training and functional sessions to improve mood in older adults
Cognitive Control Amongst Older Adults with Depressive Symptom: Mechanisms and Intervention
This study is testing a new program that combines brain training and group activities to see if it can help improve mood and daily functioning in older adults with depression.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hebrew University of Jerusalem Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jerusalem) |
| Trial ID | NCT06631781 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the relationship between mood and cognitive control in older adults aged 65 and above who exhibit depressive symptoms. It aims to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a novel intervention called GOLD-Cog+, which combines computerized cognitive training with functional-based, goal-oriented group sessions. Participants will engage in a crossover randomized control trial, alternating between a 6-week experimental period and a 6-week waiting period, to evaluate improvements in daily functioning, cognitive control, mood, quality of life, and subjective cognition. The study also seeks to determine participant satisfaction with the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and above with sub-clinical depressive symptoms and healthy cognition.
Not a fit: Patients with neurodegenerative disorders or severe psychiatric conditions other than depression or anxiety may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the daily functioning and quality of life for older adults suffering from depressive symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: While cognitive training has shown efficacy in improving cognitive control, the specific combination of approaches in this study is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Depressive Symptoms based on Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) ≥ 5 * Healthy Cognition based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa) ≥ 20 * Capable of signing and agreeing to participate in the study * Have the basic technological skills to use a tablet based on self-report * Adequate sight and hearing abilities (with assistive technology) to be able to use a tablet and fully participate in a small group setting (6 people) * Ability to fluently read, speak and understand Hebrew or English Exclusion Criteria: * Any neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Dementia, Parkinson's disease) via self-report * Psychiatric disorders, not including depression or anxiety disorders (specifically: Schizophrenia, Bipolar or Psychotic disorders) via self-report
Where this trial is running
Jerusalem
- Computerized Neurotherapy Lab, School of OT, Hebrew University, Mt. Scopus Campus — Jerusalem, Israel (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eliane Gefen, MsC
- Email: eliane.lavon@mail.huji.ac.il
- Phone: 0548075722
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.