Lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive decline in people with major depression

DOUBLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIALS TO SUSTAIN COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING VIA MODULATION OF GUT MICROBIOME AND INFLAMMATION FOR INDIVIDUALS AT RISK OF COGNITIVE DECLINE

Not applicable Interventional National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan · NCT07462013

This project tests whether regular physical activity, cognitive training, and omega-3 dietary supplements can reduce depression symptoms and delay thinking problems in people aged 50–80 with major depressive disorder.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Science and Technology Council, Taiwan Government
Locations1 site (Taichung, Taichung)
Trial IDNCT07462013 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

POWER is a randomized, controlled, non-profit project testing non-pharmacological approaches—structured physical activity, targeted cognitive training, and supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid (an omega‑3)—compared with a soybean oil standard treatment. Eligible participants are adults aged 50–80 with diagnosed major depressive disorder and no more than mild cognitive impairment. The trial measures changes in depressive symptoms and cognitive performance over the intervention period using standardized assessments. The study is run from the Mind Body Interface Research Center in Taichung, Taiwan with international collaborators.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 50–80 with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and absence or only mild cognitive impairment who can participate in exercise, cognitive training, and take supplements.

Not a fit: People with moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment, significant uncontrolled medical or psychiatric conditions, or those unable to attend in-person visits or follow the intervention regimen may not receive benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these low-risk lifestyle interventions could reduce depressive symptoms and lower the risk or delay the onset of cognitive impairment in older adults with depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials have shown modest benefits from exercise, cognitive training, or omega‑3 supplementation individually, but combining these approaches specifically in people with MDD is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 50-80 years old
* Major Depressive Disorder
* Absence or mild cognitive impairment

Exclusion Criteria:

\-

Where this trial is running

Taichung, Taichung

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Major Depressive Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.