PROJECT
Enhancing the management of depression in Alzheimer’s disease
Improving quality of life for patients and carers
This study aims to test the efficacy of an innovative intervention (Cognitive Bias Modification – CBM) designed to decrease the severity of depressive symptoms and enhance the quality of life of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and those who care for them.
We will also explore clinical and neuroimaging predictors of behavioural symptoms that may arise in the course of the illness.
Our goals are to:
- determine if CBM can prevent or improve depressive symptoms in people Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers
- determine if CBM improves the quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s disease and those who care for them
- explore what clinical and neuroimaging factors may predict the development of behavioural symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease
PhD opportunities
Depression is common among people with Alzheimer’s disease but currently available antidepressants have limited treatment efficacy. We are testing a new intervention, cognitive bias modification, to determine if its use can prevent the onset of depressive symptoms and treat people who are already depressed.
Involvement in this project would require assistance with recruitment of participants, assessment and assistance with the delivery of the intervention.
Collaboration and funding
Collaboration
The project involves a multi-national team of accomplished researchers. Collaborators include:
- Professor Colin MacLeod, Professor of Psychological Medicine, University of Western Australia
- Professor Nicola Lautenschlager, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, University of Melbourne,
- Dr Chris Plakiotis, Head Aged Psychiatry Academic Unit, University, Melbourne
- Professor Esther Gunaseli, Professor of Psychiatry, University Kuala Lumpur, College of Medicine, Perak
Funding
NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowship Grant – 2016-2019 - $250,000.00
Dementia Collaborative Research Centre Grant – 2016-2017 - $200,000.00
Volunteer participation
Do you care for someone with Alzheimer’s?
We are looking for volunteers with Alzheimer’s disease and the people who care for them, We are running a study designed to improve the quality of life of patients and carers by breaking the negative cycle commonly associated with stress and depression.
If you are interested in participating, call 9224 0295. For more information, visit wacha.org.au.