Stress and Inflammation in Late-Life Depression

Summary

Over 18% of Americans aged 65 years and older have depression. Recent evidence suggests that there is a link between depression and inflammatory disease. This study investigates the relationship between inflammation in the brain and depression. Comparing biological and psychological differences in depressed and non-depressed people allows researchers to find better ways to treat and prevent depression. All participants will have: neuropsychological tests, an EKG, a spinal tap, a blood draw, and, if depressed, given either an antidepressant coupled with an anti-inflammatory medication or an anti-depressant coupled with a placebo for six weeks. The investigators are trying to correlate brain function with depression levels and biomarkers from the blood and spinal fluid.

Timeline

Start

2014-08

Primary completion

2022-07-18

Completion

2022-07-18

Publications

• Luning Prak ET, Brooks T, Makhoul W, Beer JC, Zhao L, Girelli T, Skarke C, Sheline YI. No increase in inflammation in late-life major depression screened to exclude physical illness. Transl Psychiatry. 2022 Mar 24;12(1):118. doi: 10.1038/s41398-022-01883-4.

Drugs

Indications