Psychosocial Intervention for Cognitive Impairment and Depression
(PATH-Pain Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests PATH-Pain therapy in older adults with cognitive issues, chronic pain, and depression. The therapy aims to help them manage pain, improve mood, and enhance thinking skills through regular sessions.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that participants either stop taking antidepressants, cholinesterase inhibitors, or memantine, or be on a stable dosage for at least 12 weeks before joining.
Is the psychosocial intervention PATH-Pain safe for humans?
The PATH-Pain intervention, designed for older adults with chronic pain and cognitive impairment, has been developed by a multidisciplinary team and is generally considered safe for humans, as it is a non-drug, psychosocial approach. While specific safety data for PATH-Pain is not detailed, psychosocial interventions like it are typically low-risk and focus on improving emotional and cognitive well-being.12345
How is the PATH-Pain treatment different from other treatments for cognitive impairment and depression?
PATH-Pain is unique because it is a psychosocial intervention specifically designed for older adults with chronic pain and a range of cognitive abilities, including those with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment. Unlike many treatments that focus solely on cognitively intact patients, PATH-Pain addresses both emotional and cognitive challenges, offering a more inclusive approach for those with cognitive deficits.15678
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment PATH-Pain for cognitive impairment and depression?
The PATH-Pain treatment is designed for older adults with chronic pain and negative emotions, including those with cognitive impairments. It adapts existing therapies to address both pain and emotional challenges, suggesting potential benefits for improving quality of life and social functioning in this population.158910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Dimitris Kiosses, PhD
Principal Investigator
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Mannigton C Reid, MD
Principal Investigator
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Lisa Ravdin, PhD
Principal Investigator
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for older adults over 60 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage Alzheimer's Disease (AD), experiencing chronic pain and some depression. They must have a study partner, be on stable medication if any, and able to consent. Those not fluent in English, at risk of suicide, psychiatrically unstable, or too medically/neurologically unstable are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Acute Treatment
Participants receive 8 in-office acute treatment sessions over the first 8 weeks
Follow-up Treatment
Participants receive 6 telephone delivered sessions (3 individual and 3 group) from weeks 9 to 36
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- PATH-Pain
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator