07-01-2008
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This 16-week NIH-sponsored study – to be conducted at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute in Los Angeles - targets an enrollment of 168 patients, age 60 and older.
Study Title: Effectiveness of Methylphenidate in Improving Cognition and Function in Older Adults with Depression. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT00602290
Objective: To measure speed of recovery and extent of cognitive (reasoning & memory) and functional improvement in depressed subjects treated initially with the antidepressant drug methylphenidate – both alone and used to augment the commonly used antidepressant citalopram.
Additionally, genetic profiling will be done to identify any differences in treatment response associated with dopamine- and serotonin-related genes.
Methylphenidate has long been used in the medically ill and older adults “to provide rapid improvement in depression, apathy, and fatigue.” But its ability to support improved cognitive function and functional rehabilitation in depressed patients – alone or in combination with other drugs - has not been evaluated. And currently many mature adults treated for depression are “left with significant residual symptoms" in these respects.
For more information: To read a detailed description of this trial and review the inclusion & exclusion criteria, and for contact information, go to the ClinicalTrials.gov description of Trial NCT00602290.
