Characterizing Cognitive Decline in Late Life Depression: The ADNI Depression Project

Purpose

The purpose of this research study is to characterize the mechanisms contributing to cognitive impairment and accelerated cognitive decline in Late Life Depression (LLD). This is a non-randomized, observational, non-treatment study that originally launched in 2015, enrolling 133 participants. From the originally enrolled participants, the continuation of the ADNI-D study will enroll 120 participants which will include following participants from the original (parent) protocol and enrollment of new participants for a period of 30 months. Data from an additional 300 non-depressed subjects will be used from ADNI studies for comparison. Depression history, symptom severity and health information will be collected at the initial visit to determine eligibility. An magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, as well as amyloid (florbetapir) and tau (flortaucipr) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging will be conducted at San Francisco VA. Collection of plasma and serum for biomarkers, clinical assessments and cognitive assessments will be conducted at two time points. Blood samples will also be collected for genetic analysis.

Conditions

  • Major Depression
  • Late Life Depression (LLD)

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 65 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

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.

Study Design

Phase
Study Type
Observational
Observational Model
Case-Control
Time Perspective
Prospective

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Late Life Depression 120 participants who meet the criteria for Major Depression or Late Life Depression (LLD)

Recruiting Locations

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
University of Southern California

Study Contact

Nithya Ganesh
(415) 300-0582
nithya.ganesh@ucsf.edu