Clinical trial for Major Depressive Disorder
Official title Deep TMS for Comorbid Depression and Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03665831
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- The study wants to see if 4 weeks of deep repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can safely improve depression symptoms in older adults with early Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment.
- Who it's for
- People older than 60 who have mild/early Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment plus major depression and who did not help from antidepressant medicines.
- What's involved
- Participants will receive deep repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation using an H1 coil aimed at the left front part of the brain, with regular treatment sessions and safety checks.
- Time commitment
- The study lasts about 4 weeks, with multiple treatment visits during that time.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 60 and older
You may be able to join if
- meet DSM 5 criteria for Major or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder due to Alzheimer's disease with Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) score of at least...
- have been diagnosed with DSM5 Major Depressive Disorder, with the current episode longer than 4 weeks but less than 5 years
- did not respond to or did not tolerate antidepressant treatment
- are willing to provide informed consent
- are able to follow the treatment schedule
You likely can't join if
- have a metal plate in their head, except in the mouth (such as an ear implant, implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips)
- have known increased pressure or a history of increased pressure in their brain, which may increase their risk for having seizures
- have a cardiac pacemaker
- have an implanted medication pump
- have a central venous line
- have a significant heart disease or history of stroke
See the full eligibility criteria
- meet DSM 5 criteria for Major or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder due to Alzheimer's disease with Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) score of at least 0.5
- have been diagnosed with DSM5 Major Depressive Disorder, with the current episode longer than 4 weeks but less than 5 years
- did not respond to or did not tolerate antidepressant treatment
- are willing to provide informed consent
- are able to follow the treatment schedule
- are stable on medications for 2 months and are not expected to change medication during the entire study period (if they are taking medications)
- have a satisfactory safety screening questionnaire for TMS
- have an informant/study partner who is able to complete study questionnaires regarding the participant
- have a metal plate in their head, except in the mouth (such as an ear implant, implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips)
- have known increased pressure or a history of increased pressure in their brain, which may increase their risk for having seizures
- have a cardiac pacemaker
- have an implanted medication pump
- have a central venous line
- have a significant heart disease or history of stroke
- Modified Hachinski Score (MHIS) \> 3 (to exclude those with significant vascular component to memory loss)
- have a history of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or dementia other than AD
- have a history of substance abuse in the last 6 months
- have a history of stroke or other brain lesions
- have a personal history of epilepsy
- have a family history of epilepsy
- are a pregnant or breast-feeding woman
- are taking psychotropic medications including antidepressant medications, antipsychotics or mood stabilizing medications due to increased risk of seizure
- are taking memantine
- have a history of abnormal MRI of the brain
- have significant hearing loss requiring use of hearing aids
- have untreated hypo- or hyper-thyroidism
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 60 years and older. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.