Developing a Peer Support Intervention for Depression in SCD

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Subjective Cognitive Decline; Depression in Old Age
• Interventions: Behavioral: PeersCOG

• Registration Number: NCT06358404
• Lead Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of an 8-week intervention where peer coaches will deliver depression care to adults 60 years of age or older who have depression and subjective cognitive decline.

Detailed Description

With support from the MADRC ORE Core, we will recruit 30 community-dwelling older adults to conduct an open pilot study of PeersCOG. Trained and supervised peer coaches will deliver depression care to adults 60 years of age and older with depression and subjective cognitive decline in an 8-week intervention using video chats and texts. We will use mixed methods to assess feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity. We will use validated instruments to assess the preliminary outcomes, including depression, SCD, functioning, and social factors at baseline, 8 weeks, and 3 months, and we will conduct post-intervention interviews with stakeholders at 8 weeks. Older adult participants will be asked to name a study partner who will support the older adult throughout the study in terms of study enrollment. They may also have additional perspectives on the impact of impaired cognition and depression on daily living and related needs. The older adult will not be excluded if the study partner is not available.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2024-04-05
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-04-05
• Study First Posted: 2024-04-10
• Study Start: 2024-05-01
• Status Verified: 2025-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-05-09
• Last Update Posted: 2025-05-12
• Primary Completion: 2026-04-30
• Study Completion: 2026-04-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

• Older adults aged 60+
• Endorse subjective cognitive decline
• Endorse depressive symptoms
• not currently experiencing suicidal ideation nor active, untreated manic, psychotic, or substance use disorder
• fluent in English and able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• Meets diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's dementia
• Meets diagnostic criteria for a current major depressive disorder
• have a history of neurological and psychiatric comorbidities such as major depressive disorder in the past 12 months

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Intervention	PeersCOG	Peer coaches will deliver the PeersCOG intervention to participants.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Acceptability of Intervention	Measured during intervention (8 weeks)	Number of meetings older adults complete with peer coach
Fidelity of Intervention	Measured during intervention (8 weeks)	Degree of adherence to intervention
Feasibility of Intervention	Measured at baseline enrollment	Level of participant engagement: how many screened older adults agree to participate in the intervention and complete baseline assessments

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Massachusetts General Hospital; 🇺🇸 Boston, Massachusetts, United States