Tracking cognitive changes in elderly patients with depression over one year

One-Year Trajectory of Cognitive Changes in Patients With Late-life Depression in the Short Term: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Fujian Medical University · NCT06447428

This study looks at how depression affects thinking skills in older adults over a year to see if there are patterns that could help improve treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFujian Medical University (other)
Locations1 site (Fuzhou, Fujian)
Trial IDNCT06447428 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the cognitive changes in elderly patients diagnosed with late-life depression over a one-year period. It involves 400 participants who will undergo cognitive assessments using tools like the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The study aims to identify risk factors for cognitive decline and understand the transitions between different states of cognitive impairment, providing insights for future interventions targeting geriatric depression.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly individuals aged 60 and above who meet the criteria for major depression.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairments due to past strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or other severe mental conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of cognitive decline in elderly patients with depression.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored cognitive changes in depression, this specific longitudinal approach using a multistate Markov model is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. meeting the criteria for major depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)
2. age at first onset ≥60 years
3. Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Relevant past history affecting cognitive function: various types of stroke, traumatic brain injury, severe brain atrophy, mental abnormalities
2. Perennial alcohol addiction, or long-term use of various drugs that affect mental state
3. Survival time of malignant tumors and tumors
4. Patients with language, vision, and hearing impairments

Where this trial is running

Fuzhou, Fujian

Study contacts

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Late Life Depression

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.