Brain Abnormalities in Late-Onset Major Depression

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The objective of this project is to examine the state of the brain in people over 50 years old suffering from late-onset depression by means of an extensive clinical assessment programme, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuropsychological testing, neurological examination, eye examination as well as blood and saliva samples. The results are to be compared with results from a control group matched for gender and age.

Detailed Description
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Major depression is a frequent and serious disorder with different prognoses and complications with respect to lack of treatment response, recurrence and suicide. MRI of the brain can provide information about changes in the brain tissue with depression, e.g. lesions of nerve connections, small thrombi or changes in the blood flow. These changes appear primarily after the age of 50 and are seen in cases of diabetes and high blood pressure. Furthermore, the connection between disruptions in the body's stress response system and depression will be explored, which is very important since studies indicate that stress and depression can affect certain brain parts permanently. This will give us a better understanding of the connection between brain changes, neuropsychology and depression prognosis, which is decisive for accurate diagnostics, effective treatment and targeted prevention of the disease in the long run. The project is part of a larger clinical assessment programme in the Neuropsychiatric Unit under the Centre for Basic Psychiatric Research, Aarhus Psychiatric Hospital, Denmark, which gives us unique possibilities of combining research and daily clinical work. The hope is in the future to be able to offer patients in the risk group better assessment and treatment to prevent complications and recurrence.

Official Title
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Structural and Functional Cerebral Findings in Late-Onset Major Depression

Conditions
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Major Depression

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Clinical examination program


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: first time major depression age over 50 years Caucasian admitted at a psychiatric hospital or treated at a local psychiatric clinic in Aarhus Amt Exclusion Criteria: major brain damage (e.g. stroke, epilepsy, trauma) major alcohol or drug abuse

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Intervention/Treatment |
| --- |
|Other: Clinical examination program|Psychiatric/clinical interview MRI scan Blood samples Saliva samples Eye examination|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Major depression, Magnetic resonance imaging, White matter lesions, Perfusion, Diffusion, Magnetization transfer, Vascular risk factors