Characterizing Cognitive Decline in Late Life Depression: The ADNI Depression Project

Rate of Change in neuropsychological measures of executive function as measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test using total correct.

Time frame: 5 years (parent protocol), 5 years (continuation)

The Digit Symbol subtest is a measure of attention, working memory, and information processing speed. Participants are presented with a stimulus sheet, and asked to write in the correct symbol that corresponds with a number keyed at the top of the page. A scaled score is calculated based on the number of total correct responses.

Rate of Change in expressive language as measured by the Boston Naming Test using total correct.

Time frame: 5 years (parent protocol), 5 years (continuation)

Boston Naming Test is a measure of visual confrontation naming requires the subject to name objects depicted in outline drawings. The drawings are graded in difficulty, with the easiest drawings presented first. If a subject encounters difficulty in naming an object, a stimulus cue and/or a phonemic cue is provided. The number of spontaneous correct responses (maximum score = 30) and spontaneous plus semantically-cued correct responses (maximum score = 30) are recorded. The number of perceptual errors, circumlocutions, paraphasic errors, and perseverations can also be used to evaluate the subjects' language performance.

Rate of change in learning and memory as measured by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test using total correct and delayed recall.

Time frame: 5 years (parent protocol), 5 years (continuation)

Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) is a list learning task which assesses multiple cognitive parameters associated with learning and memory. On each of 5 learning trials, 15 unrelated words (all nouns) are presented orally at the rate of one word per second and immediate free recall of the words is elicited. The number of correctly recalled words on each trial is recorded. Following a 20-minute delay filled with unrelated testing, free recall of the original 15 word list is elicited. Finally, a yes/no recognition test is administered which consists of the original 15 words and 15 randomly interspersed distracter words. The number of target "hits" and false positive responses are recorded.

Change in brain structure using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Time frame: 5 years (parent protocol), 5 years (continuation)

MRI will be used to conduct cortical thickness analysis of whole brain and hippocampus utilizing the following sequences: 3D T1-weighted volume, FLAIR, T2\*GRE, and Arterial Spin-Labeling (ASL) Perfusion.

Extent of amyloid deposition as measured by florbetapir

Time frame: 5 years (parent protocol), 5 years (continuation)

Data from these scans will be collected via standardized uptake value ratios (SUVR) normalized to the cerebellum

Extent of tau deposition as measured by flortaucipr

Time frame: 5 years (continuation)

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.