To Enhance Cognition in Late Life Depression Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Launched by CENTRE FOR ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH · Aug 7, 2014

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

tDCS is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that utilizes low intensity electrical current either to increase cortical excitability with an anodal electrode or to suppress cortical excitability with a cathodal electrode. tDCS produces its effects through long lasting changes in neuroplasticity: in animal studies, tDCS results in long-term potentiation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor secretion; in human studies, tDCS results in potentiation of neurophysiologic markers of neuroplasticity. Consistent with these preclinical findings, tDCS to the temporoparietal cortex or left DLPFC im...

Gender

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Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Women and men of any races or ethnicity
• • 2. Age 60 and above
• • 3. Major depressive disorder, single or recurrent per SCID DSM-IV criteria AND remission from that episode as defined by DSM IV-TR criteria for remission.
• • 4. Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score less than 10.
• • 5. Ability to speak English fluently enough to complete all research assessments.
• • 6. Corrected visual ability to read newspaper headlines; hearing capacity to respond to a raised conversational voice
• • 7. Willingness and ability to provide consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. DSM IV TR criteria for any dementia
• • 2. DSM IV TR criteria for life-time bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or other psychotic disorders
• • 3. DSM IV TR criteria for any substance abuse or dependence within the past 6 months
• • 4. Presence of psychotic features or any other symptoms that would make the participant unable to participate in the study.
• • 5. Any medical contra-indications to tDCS.
• • 6. Electroconvulsive therapy in the last 6 months.