PeersCOG for Geriatric Depression

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Disqualifiers: Mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new approach to help older adults cope with depression and memory issues. Peer coaches—individuals who have faced similar challenges—deliver an 8-week program called PeersCOG, designed to improve mental health and memory concerns. It suits those aged 60 or older who feel down and notice memory slipping but are not currently dealing with severe mental health or substance issues. Participants must speak English and be able to consent to join the study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health solutions and receive support from peers.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that the PeersCOG intervention is safe for older adults with depression?

Research shows that the PeersCOG program is designed to assist older adults with depression, particularly those with memory issues. Although specific safety data for PeersCOG is unavailable, its focus on peer coaching rather than medication suggests it is low-risk. The study lacks a specific trial phase, indicating no significant safety concerns. Typically, at this research stage, a treatment is deemed safe. As PeersCOG is a supportive program and not a drug, the likelihood of side effects is minimal. Participants can feel assured that this program provides help through peer support, which is generally safe and beneficial for mental health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Most treatments for geriatric depression, such as antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, focus on altering brain chemistry or providing therapeutic support. PeersCOG is unique because it uses trained peer coaches to deliver the intervention, offering a novel, personalized approach. This method leverages shared experiences and peer support, which can enhance engagement and motivation among older adults. Researchers are excited about PeersCOG because it could provide a more relatable and accessible form of support, potentially leading to improved outcomes for geriatric patients.

What evidence suggests that the PeersCOG intervention is effective for geriatric depression?

Research has shown that community-based programs, such as support groups or talk therapy, can help reduce depression in older adults. These methods effectively provide support and practical strategies for managing depression. In this trial, participants will receive the PeersCOG intervention, which includes peer coaching. Trained peers offer support and advice, connecting individuals with someone who understands their experiences. Although specific data on PeersCOG's effectiveness is limited, these foundational methods have proven to reduce depression in older adults. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 60 and older who feel their memory or thinking skills have gotten worse, are feeling depressed but not suicidal, and don't have untreated bipolar disorder, psychosis, or substance abuse. Participants must speak English and be able to agree to the study's terms.

Inclusion Criteria

I feel like my memory or thinking skills have gotten worse.

I am not having thoughts of harming myself and do not have untreated mental health or substance use issues.

I speak English fluently and can give informed consent.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Peer coaches deliver the PeersCOG intervention to participants using video chats and texts

8 weeks

Regular virtual meetings with peer coaches

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

3 months

Post-intervention interviews with stakeholders

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• PeersCOG

Trial Overview The trial is testing an 8-week program called PeersCOG where trained peers help those with depression and memory concerns. It aims to see if people like the program, can stick with it, and if it's delivered as planned.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Peer coaches will deliver the PeersCOG intervention to participants.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,066

Recruited

13,430,000+

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Collaborator

Trials

2,896

Recruited

8,053,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8684627/

Prevalence and determinants of depression among old age This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a precise estimate of the prevalence of depression and its determinants among old ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3184156/

Geriatric Depression in Primary Care - PMC As many as 10 % of older adults presenting in primary care have clinically significant depression, but only about half are recognized.

3. hign.org hign.org/consultgeri/try-this-series/geriatric-depression-scale-gds

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) Major depression has been identified in 6%-10% of older adults in primary care clinics, 12%-20% of nursing home residents, and 11%-45% of hospitalized older ...

4. medrxiv.org medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.21.24315895v1.full-text

Community-based interventions to address depression in ... Including peer support groups or cognitive-behavioral therapy has demonstrated remarkable outcomes in alleviating depressive symptoms, improving ...

5. mdpi.com mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/2/257

Depression and Its Effect on Geriatric Rehabilitation ... Results: Of the participants, 22.9% (N = 266) exhibited depressive symptoms, with no notable differences between genders. Although all patients showed ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9741828/

Recognizing Depression in the Elderly: Practical Guidance ... This narrative review aims at giving an overview on the main definitions, clinical manifestations, risk and protective factors for depression in the elderly.

7. gapna.org gapna.org/sites/default/files/documents/conference/2021-pharma/poster-presentations/20_Skipper.pdf

identification of depressive symptoms in elderly adults ... Background: Depression is a common co-morbid condition experienced by many elderly adults which often goes undiagnosed. Many providers.

8. medrxiv.org medrxiv.org/content/medrxiv/early/2023/04/17/2023.04.10.23288346.full.pdf?utm_source=consensus

Assessment of Geriatric Depression among Elderly ... This study reveals that level of depression among geriatric peoples, 51. (51%) peoples had no depression, 33 (33%) having mild depression and ...