Engage Therapy for Late-Life Depression with Executive Dysfunction
Trial Summary
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
You can continue taking your current medications as long as the dose has been stable for the past 2 weeks.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Engage for late-life depression with executive dysfunction?
Research on similar treatments, like neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive remediation (nCCR-GD), shows that targeting executive dysfunction can improve depression symptoms in older adults. This suggests that treatments focusing on executive dysfunction, like Engage, may also be effective for late-life depression.12345
Is Engage Therapy for Late-Life Depression with Executive Dysfunction safe for humans?
The Engage Therapy, also known as Engage & Connect, is a psychotherapy aimed at improving social connectedness and has been described as a simple and scalable intervention. While specific safety data for Engage Therapy is not detailed, similar interventions like neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive remediation (nCCR-GD) have shown high completion rates and are considered safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in studies.12467
How is Engage Therapy different from other treatments for late-life depression with executive dysfunction?
Engage Therapy is unique because it focuses on improving executive dysfunction (problems with planning, decision-making, and attention) in older adults with depression, which is often not addressed by standard antidepressants. This approach may involve psychosocial interventions that enhance alertness and behavioral function, potentially leading to better outcomes for those who do not respond well to traditional medication.12489
What is the purpose of this trial?
Although there are an increasing number of mental health treatment adaptations for older adults, there are still a number of factors to consider when making these adaptations. Cognitive decline is one such factor that places significant burden on older adults and can interfere with traditional mental health therapies. Engage is a behavioral treatment approach that has shown to be effective in treating late life depression. The investigators are testing the feasibility of Engage as a treatment method for late life depression in older adults with cognitive decline. The objective is to corroborate Engage as an alternative late life depression treatment method for a sub-population of older adults with cognitive decline. Cognitive decline poses a unique mental health treatment barrier that is often over looked in younger populations. With a relatively higher prevalence of cognitive decline in older adulthood, it is imperative that a feasible mental health treatment program that can be effective in the presence of cognitive decline.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for English-speaking adults aged 60 or older in the Las Vegas area with mild cognitive impairment and depression, who can travel to UNLV campus. They should score between 18-25 on MoCA and over 5 on GDS-SF without active suicidal thoughts, history of suicide attempts, psychosis, substance abuse disorders, bipolar disorder, intellectual disability or being in psychotherapy.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Implementation of the 9-week Engage protocol in older adults with late-life depression and comorbid executive dysfunction and mild cognitive impairment
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Engage
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Lead Sponsor