Investigating brain imaging biomarkers in late-life depression
PET-MRI Biomarkers of Pathological Brain Aging in Late-life Depression
This study looks at how brain scans and behavior are connected in older adults with depression to see if it helps us understand their condition and the effects of treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Leuven) |
| Trial ID | NCT03849417 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study explores the relationships between PET-MRI brain imaging biomarkers and behavioral measures in patients with late-life depression compared to healthy controls. It includes a cross-sectional analysis of 64 patients with late-life depression and 64 healthy individuals, as well as a longitudinal evaluation of 20 patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The study aims to clarify how various brain biomarkers, such as synaptic density and tau pathology, relate to neuropsychological function and the effects of ECT. The findings could enhance our understanding of the neurobiology underlying late-life depression and its treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 60 years old diagnosed with late-life depression.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of major neurological disorders or significant psychiatric diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for late-life depression.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using neuroimaging to understand depression, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of late-life depression according to DSM 5 (patients only) * Age over 60 years old * Judged to be in good physical health by the investigator on the basis of medical history Exclusion Criteria: * history or evidence of psychiatric disease, as assessed by clinical interview (healthy controls only). * history of major other neurological disorder, or major internal pathology that may make him/her unfit for participation according to the interpretation by the investigator (including cardiac, lung, haematological, gastro-intestinal disorders or cancer); * current user (including ''recreational use'') of any illicit drugs,including cannabis, or has a history of drug or alcohol abuse; * had exposure to ionizing radiation (\> 1 mSv) in other research studies within the last 12 months; * has a contra-indication for MRI scanning; * suffers from claustrophobia or cannot tolerate confinement during PET-MRI scanning procedures; cannot lie still for 60 minutes inside the scanner; * does not understand the study procedures * unwilling or unable to perform all of the study procedures, or is considered unsuitable in any way by the principal investigator; * underwent ECT within the last 3 months before enrollment (patients)
Where this trial is running
Leuven
- UZ Leuven — Leuven, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mathieu Vandenbulcke, MD, PhD — UZ Leuven / UPC-KU Leuven
- Study coordinator: Mathieu Vandenbulcke, MD, PhD
- Email: mathieu.vandenbulcke@uzleuven.be
- Phone: +32 16 3 48005
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.