The aim of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of L-serine supplementation on cognitive decline and psychosocial functioning in older adults with late-life depression (LLD). The study will evaluate changes in depressive symptoms, neural and cognitive functioning, and will assess neurophysiological, metagenomic, and biochemical alterations associated with L-serine supplementation compared with placebo. The main research questions are: * Does L-serine supplementation affect cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and neural functioning in individuals with late-life depression? * What biological mechanisms may underlie the effects of L-serine on cognitive decline? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two study arms: an intervention group (total n = 42) receiving L-serine at a dose of 6 g/day for 48 weeks, and a placebo group (total n = 42) receiving 6 g/day of maltodextrin for the same duration. All participants will be assessed at three time points: T0 (baseline, prior to trial initiation), T18 (after 18 weeks), and T48 (after 48 weeks, at the end of the trial). At each assessment, participants will: * complete clinical questionnaires and a neuropsychological assessment; * provide blood, fecal, and urine samples; * undergo electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings.
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Geriatric Depression Scale - 15
Timeframe: Baseline; week 18; week 48 (end of the trial)
Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status
Timeframe: Baseline, Week 18; Week 48 (end of the trial)
Patient Health Questionnaire - 9
Timeframe: Baseline; Week 18; Week 48 (end of the trial)
Montgomery-Ã…sberg Depression Rating Scale
Timeframe: Baseline, Week 18; Week 48 (end of the trial)
World Health Organization Quality of Life - Bref
Timeframe: Baseline, Week 18, Week 48 (end of trial)