Engage for Late-Life Depression and Comorbid Executive Dysfunction

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS · Apr 26, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Engage trial is studying a new approach to help older adults who are dealing with depression and also have some cognitive decline, which is a type of memory and thinking difficulty. This program, called Engage, aims to see if it can be a successful treatment for late-life depression in people who may struggle with traditional therapies due to their cognitive challenges. The goal is to find out if this method can effectively support older adults who often face unique barriers when it comes to mental health care.

To participate in this trial, individuals need to be 60 years or older, able to read, write, and speak English, and live in the Las Vegas area. They must also show signs of depression and mild cognitive impairment. Participants will attend regular visits at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus, where they will engage in the study's activities. It's important to note that individuals with active thoughts of suicide, certain mental health conditions, or significant memory problems may not be eligible for this trial. Overall, this study is an opportunity for older adults to receive specialized support for their mental health needs.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 60 or older
• • Ability to read, write, and speak English
• • Located in Las Vegas or surrounding area
• • Ability to travel to UNLV campus by self or possible caregiver for regular study visits
• • Clinically significant symptoms of depression as evidenced by: 1) Scores \> 5 on the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF)
• • Mild cognitive impairment as evidenced by: 1) Scores \> 18 and \< 25 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Active suicidal ideation
• • History of suicide attempt(s)
• • Current symptoms of: 1) Psychosis; 2) Active substance use disorder
• • Reported history of: 1) Bipolar disorder ("manic depression"); 2) Intellectual disability
• • Currently in or scheduled to initiate individual psychotherapy to avoid treatment interference
• • Psychotropic medication permitted if dose was stable over the past 2 weeks
• • Currently living in an institutional setting (e.g., assisted living, inpatient, skilled nursing)
• • Presence of notable memory-specific cognitive deficits as evidenced by: scores \< 9 on the MoCA memory subscale (rendering it difficult to participate in and track/recall events for weekly psychotherapy)