Fitness for Brain Optimization for Late-Life Depression

Description

Cognitive impairment and brain abnormalities are common and persist after depression remission in those with Late Life Depression (LLD), compounding dementia risk in both individuals with acute and remitted LLD (rLLD). In this study, investigators will examine systemic neural and cognitive benefits of aerobic exercise training in older adults with remitted LLD. This will generate preliminary data regarding neural targets of aerobic exercise training that may translate to cognitive benefits in those with rLLD, a population who remains at high risk for dementia despite successful treatment of depression.

Conditions

Depression in Old Age

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Cognitive impairment and brain abnormalities are common and persist after depression remission in those with Late Life Depression (LLD), compounding dementia risk in both individuals with acute and remitted LLD (rLLD). In this study, investigators will examine systemic neural and cognitive benefits of aerobic exercise training in older adults with remitted LLD. This will generate preliminary data regarding neural targets of aerobic exercise training that may translate to cognitive benefits in those with rLLD, a population who remains at high risk for dementia despite successful treatment of depression.

Aerobic Exercise for Optimizing Cognitive and Brain Health in Remitted Late-Life Depression

Fitness for Brain Optimization for Late-Life Depression

Condition
Depression in Old Age
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Pittsburgh

UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Men and women 60+ years
  • 2. Major Depressive Episode in older adulthood (since age 55)
  • 3. Current level of depressive symptoms does not meet criteria for a Major Depressive Episode
  • 4. Ambulatory without pain or the assistance of walking devices
  • 5. Able to speak and read English
  • 6. Exercise level of \<100 minutes per week on average
  • 7. Medical clearance by primary care physician (PCP)
  • 8. Living in community for duration of the study
  • 9. Reliable means of transportation
  • 10. No diagnosis of a neurological disease
  • 11. Eligible to undergo MRI
  • 1. Current diagnosis of a Major Depressive Episode
  • 2. Psychosis
  • 3. Significant suicide risk (i.e., current, active suicidal ideation with a plan)
  • 4. Electroconvulsive therapy within the past 12 months
  • 5. Engaging in moderate-intensity exercise \>100 minutes per week on average
  • 6. Current treatment for cancer - except non-melanoma skin
  • 7. Neurological condition (MS, Parkinson's, Dementia, MCI) or brain injury (Stroke)
  • 8. Substance Use disorder in the past 3-months
  • 9. Current treatment for congestive heart failure, angina, uncontrolled arrhythmia, deep vein thromboses (DVT) or other cardiovascular event
  • 10. Myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, angioplasty or other cardiac condition in the past year including uncontrolled hypertension
  • 11. Regular use of an assisted walking device
  • 12. Presence of metal implants (pacemaker, stents) that would be MR ineligible
  • 13. Claustrophobia
  • 14. Color Blindness
  • 15. Significant visual or hearing impairments that would preclude neuropsychological assessment or communication with study staff via a virtual format (videoteleconference)
  • 16. Not fluent in English
  • 17. Not medically cleared by PCP
  • 18. Traveling consecutively for 3+ weeks during the study
  • 19. MOCA (\<20 to exclude) and MADRS (\>9 to exclude)

Ages Eligible for Study

60 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Pittsburgh,

Swathi Gujral, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Pittsburgh

Study Record Dates

2026-06