Dopaminergic Dysfunction in Late-Life Depression

STUDY BASICS

Are you 60 years old or older? Do you have depression? You may be eligible for a research study to better understand how the brain’s dopamine system may contribute to depression in older adults. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this research study is to better understand how the brain’s dopamine system may contribute to depression in older adults. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger released by nerve cells. Some medications used to treat depression affect dopamine but most do not. In this study you will have tests of your memory, concentration, thinking, and walking. You will have brain scans using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We are performing these scans to understand more about how the brain’s dopamine system may be different in older adults who are depressed.  

 

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Eligible participants:

• Are ages 60 and older 
• Have depression 
• Experience slowness in either thinking or movement

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

After an initial visit to determine if you are eligible for the study, you will have at least 4 in-person and, 6 telephone or video conference visits. You will have 2 brain MRI scans. During the baseline period, we administer tests of your memory, concentration and thinking. You will also complete a blood draw. After completing all the baseline period procedures, you will enter the medication phase of the study. In Step 1, you will be randomly assigned (like by flipping of coin) to receive either carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet) or placebo. In Step 2, you will receive whichever treatment you did not receive during Step 1 (either the placebo or carbidopa/levodopa). Carbidopa/levodopa changes into dopamine in the brain and allows us to investigate how increasing the brain’s dopamine levels may influence behavior.