Brain-Training app aims to spark motivation in depressed seniors
NCT ID NCT05877885
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a 4-week digital brain-training program can reduce apathy (lack of motivation) in older adults with depression. Researchers will measure changes in brain scans and apathy scores. The goal is to see if this non-drug approach can improve brain function and daily life.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 84 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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60 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 60+ years 2. Diagnosis of unipolar major depressive disorder without psychotic features, as assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 3. Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score \> or = 16. 4. Clinically significant apathy, determined by the Clinician-rated Apathy Evaluation Scale (C-AES \> or = to 37) 5. Off antidepressants or on a stable dose of an antidepressant for 8 weeks and do not intend to change the dose in the next 5 weeks. 6. On a stable dose of other psychotropic medications, deemed by the investigator to be associated with brain networks of interest, for at least 8 weeks. 7. Capacity to provide written consent for research assessment and treatment 8. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions (English) as assessed by the PI and/or study staff. 9. Total score of \> 29 on the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) 10. Eligible to undergo MRI 11. Access to a computer or tablet with Wifi capabilities 12. Able to comply with all testing and study requirements and willingness to participate in the full study duration. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History or presence of psychiatric diagnoses other than major depressive disorder without psychotic features, persistent depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or specific phobia 2. Use of cholinesterase inhibitors or psychoactive drugs other than antidepressants or benzodiazepines, including antipsychotics, that in the opinion of the Investigator may confound study data/assessments. 3. Presence or history of significant neurologic or neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment, history of stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy). 4. Any other acute medical condition (e.g., cardiac, renal, or respiratory failure; severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; metastatic cancer; or debilitated states or less common medical illnesses) that may influence brain systems of interest or interfere with participation or interpretation of the study results. 5. Participant is currently considered at risk for attempting suicide by the Investigator, has made a suicide attempt within the past year, or is currently demonstrating active suicidal ideation or self-injurious behavior. 6. Electroconvulsive therapy within the past 12 months 7. Recent history (within 6 months prior to screening/baseline) of Substance Use Disorder. 8. Participant is currently enrolled in ongoing concurrent cognitive rehabilitation (note that if a subject is enrolled in psychotherapy, this will not be grounds for exclusion) 9. Claustrophobia 10. Color Blindness 11. Sensory or physical impairment that would preclude cognitive testing or participation in the intervention (e.g., upper limb paralysis) as reported by the participant or observed by the Investigator. 12. Travelling consecutively for 2+ weeks during the study period to a location that will preclude timely collection of post-treatment MRI data. 13. Contraindications to MRI scanning including cardiac pacemaker, heart valve replacement, vascular stent, cochlear implant, any other metallic biomedical implant contraindicating to MRI.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute
RECRUITINGOrlando, Florida, 32804, United States
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