Non-invasive Neuromodulation to Enhance Targeted Cognitive Remediation in Older Adults With Depression
Overview
- Phase
- N/A
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Aging
- Sponsor
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Enrollment
- 16
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in NIH Examiner scores
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 7 months ago
Overview
Brief Summary
This study will investigate whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhances the effects of computerized cognitive training in older adults with recurrent depression (2 or more lifetime episodes; either current or within past 3 years).
Detailed Description
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of active tDCS to computerized cognitive remediation (nCCR) enhances brain activity and cognitive functions in older adults with recurrent depression to a greater degree than nCCR with sham stimulation. The investigators will randomize 20 elderly depressed outpatients to either double-blinded active or sham bifrontal tDCS plus daily nCCR over 4-weeks. Multimodal MRI (focused on the cognitive control network; CCN) and psychiatric and neuropsychological evaluations will be obtained at baseline and following intervention completion. Long-term CCN cognitive effects will be explored 3-months post-intervention via cognitive assessments.
Investigators
Sarah Szymkowicz
Research Instructor
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Age 60+ years
- •Diagnosis of a current or past (within last 3 years) depressive episode (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)) using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria
- •In total, participants must have 2 or more lifetime depressive episodes to be considered "recurrent"
- •Either stable antidepressant regimen for at least 6 weeks or no current antidepressant treatment
- •Evidence of subjective cognitive complaints on the Everyday Cognition Scale (ECog)
- •English fluency
- •Exclusion criteria:
- •Other Axis I psychiatric conditions via the DSM-5, except for anxiety symptoms occurring in a depressive episode
- •Acute suicidality on clinical evaluation
- •Acute grief
Exclusion Criteria
- Not provided
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in NIH Examiner scores
Time Frame: From baseline to post-intervention (4-6 weeks)
This cognitive test battery assesses a range of executive functions (working memory, inhibition, set shifting, fluency, insight, and planning). The investigators will examine its Executive Composite Score, with higher scores indicate better performance.
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores)(Baseline and weekly thereafter until post-intervention (4-6 weeks))