Neurofeedback training for older adults with depression and anxiety
Neurofeedback Training to Improve Prefrontal Functioning in Older Adults With Subclinical Depression and Anxiety: a Randomised Control Trial
This study is testing if neurofeedback training can help older adults with mild depression and anxiety improve their mood and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 79 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05936697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to improve mood and cognitive function in older adults experiencing subclinical symptoms of depression and anxiety through neurofeedback training. Utilizing techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), participants will learn to self-regulate brain activity associated with emotional regulation. The study will assess the effectiveness of these neurofeedback interventions in enhancing prefrontal cortex function and potentially preventing the progression to more severe mental health issues. By focusing on older adults aged 60-79, the research addresses a critical gap in mental health interventions for this demographic.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed older adults aged 60-79 with moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety but no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological or psychiatric disorders, those currently on psychotropic medication, or who do not meet the age and cognitive assessment criteria may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the mental health and cognitive functioning of older adults, reducing the risk of developing more severe psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While neurofeedback has been explored in various psychiatric contexts, this specific application for older adults with subclinical symptoms is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * (i) age of 60-79 years; * (ii) right-handedness as assessed using the short form of the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (Veale, 2014); * (iii) a moderate or higher score on at least one of the depression and anxiety subscales (but not necessarily both) of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), which has been shown to yield reliable and valid scores; * (iv) no history of neurological or psychiatric disorder; * (v) no history of traumatic brain injury requiring hospitalisation; * (vi) not currently using psychotropic medication; * (vii) ability to read Traditional Chinese text; * (viii) normal or corrected-to-normal vision; and * (ix) a score of at least 19 on the Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment Exclusion Criteria: * does not fulfill any of the above criteria
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences OF The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lai Man Jacqueline Chan
- Email: Jacqueline-lm.chan@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 34002664
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.