Study brain and blood changes in older adults with depression
Treatments studied
Part of Brain & nervous system, Mental health clinical trials.
This study looks at how a brain protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease changes over time in older adults who have major depression but no major memory problems. It involves brain scans, blood and urine tests, and a spinal fluid sample to better understand the connection between depression and brain aging.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You’re age 60 or older and can sign consent
- You have a diagnosis of major depression (with a specific depression score of 18 or higher)
- Your thinking and memory are considered normal for this study (MMSE above 27; dementia rating is 0)
- You can do study testing: MRI scan, urine drug test, blood draws, and a spinal fluid test (lumbar puncture)
- Your routine checkups are normal enough for the study (vitals, exam, EKG, and blood/urine lab tests)
- You don’t have certain brain or medical issues (like major brain injury on MRI, heavy white-matter changes, or a pacemaker/metal that makes MRI unsafe)
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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