UnknownNot Applicable

Neurofeedback Training For Older Adults

Hong Kong90 participantsStarted 2023-02-15

Plain-language summary

Symptoms of depression and anxiety are common in older adults and are associated with poor outcomes and the risk of dementia. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is crucial for emotion regulation. Poor PFC function may underlie subclinical depression and anxiety symptoms in older people, which could progress to clinical conditions. Neurofeedback training based on electroencephalography (EEG) or functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) teaches individuals to self-regulate different aspects of brain activity and induce neurocognitive improvements. This proposed project will examine whether prefrontal EEG and fNIRS neurofeedback training programmes can enhance the mood and cognition of older adults with subclinical depression and anxiety.

Who can participate

Age range

60 Years – 79 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * (i) age of 60-79 years; * (ii) right-handedness as assessed using the short form of the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (Veale, 2014); * (iii) a moderate or higher score on at least one of the depression and anxiety subscales (but not necessarily both) of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), which has been shown to yield reliable and valid scores; * (iv) no history of neurological or psychiatric disorder; * (v) no history of traumatic brain injury requiring hospitalisation; * (vi) not currently using psychotropic medication; * (vii) ability to read Traditional Chinese text; * (viii) normal or corrected-to-normal vision; and * (ix) a score of at least 19 on the Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment Exclusion Criteria: * does not fulfill any of the above criteria

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Mood symptoms (post)

Timeframe: Within 1 week before the first training session, and within 1 week after the last training session

Mood symptoms (follow-up)

Timeframe: Within 1 week before the first training session, and within 1 month after the last training session

Anxiety symptoms (post)

Timeframe: Within 1 week before the first training session, and within 1 week after the last training session

Anxiety symptoms (follow-up)

Timeframe: Within 1 week before the first training session, and within 1 month after the last training session

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05936697

SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-10-31

Contact for this trial

Lai Man Jacqueline Chan

+852 34002664 Jacqueline-lm.chan@polyu.edu.hk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Depression, Anxiety trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

60 Years – 79 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Mood symptoms (post)

Timeframe: Within 1 week before the first training session, and within 1 week after the last training session

Mood symptoms (follow-up)

Timeframe: Within 1 week before the first training session, and within 1 month after the last training session

Anxiety symptoms (post)

Timeframe: Within 1 week before the first training session, and within 1 week after the last training session

Anxiety symptoms (follow-up)

Timeframe: Within 1 week before the first training session, and within 1 month after the last training session