Understanding cognitive decline in older adults with depression
Characterizing Cognitive Decline in Late Life Depression: The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative - Depression Project
This study is trying to understand how depression affects thinking and memory in older adults by looking at brain scans and comparing them to people without depression.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (San Francisco, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT02434393 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the mechanisms behind cognitive impairment and accelerated cognitive decline in individuals suffering from Late Life Depression (LLD). It will enroll 120 participants, including those from a previous study and new participants, over a 30-month period. Participants will undergo various assessments, including MRI scans and PET imaging, to gather data on brain function and biomarkers. Additionally, data from 300 non-depressed individuals will be utilized for comparative analysis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults who have participated in previous related studies and are experiencing symptoms of Late Life Depression.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing depression or those with unstable medication regimens 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 older adults with depression.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in understanding cognitive decline in depression, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1\. Individual participated in original Characterizing Cognitive Decline in Late Life Depression study or Multimodal MRI Characteristics of Psychotherapy Response in Late Life Depression Study. Exclusion Exceptions: 1. Antidepressant medication treatment is allowed only if the medication dose is stable for 4 weeks prior to the MRI scan. 2. Psychotherapy interventions is allowed only if they have completed at least 4 weeks of individual or group psychotherapy intervention prior to the MRI scan. 3. Participants taking cognitive enhancing medications will be able to enter the study.
Where this trial is running
San Francisco, California and 1 other locations
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, California, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Completed)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nithya Ganesh
- Email: nithya.ganesh@ucsf.edu
- Phone: (415) 300-0582
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.