Beyond Ageing: A Study for the Prevention of Depression, Cognitive Impairment and the Improvement of Knowledge About Mental Health

The purpose of this study is to determine whether folate and vitamin B12, physical activity and mental health literacy can prevent depression, and folate and vitamin B12 and physical activity can prevent cognitive impairment in older people. Also the study aims to assess the benefits for older people in improving their knowledge about mental health in relation to depression.

Official Title

Beyond Ageing Project: A Randomised Controlled Trial to Assess the Benefit of Improving Mental Health Literacy in Depression as Well as the Effect of Folate and B12, and Physical Activity, in Preventing Major Depression and Cognitive Impairment Among Australians Aged 65-74 Years.

Conditions

• Depression
• Depressive Disorder

Study Type

Interventional

Study Design

Educational/Counseling/Training, Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo Control, Factorial Assignment, Efficacy Study.

Further Details

Primary Outcome Measures:

• Depression [assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months and 24 month follow-ups]

Secondary Outcome Measures:

• Disability due to physical and mental health
• Cognitive impairment
• Physical activity levels
• Physical health outcomes
• B12 levels
• Folate status
• Homocysteine
• Genotyping
• Measured at baseline, 6 weeks, 6-, 12- and 24-months. However, dementia measures will be taken at baseline, 12 and 24-months and genotyping at baseline.

Study Start

October 2005

Eligibility & Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 65 Years to 74 Years
• Genders Eligible for Study: Both
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 65-74 years with some depressive symptoms, assessed using the Kessler 10 Psychological Distress Scale [K10] (Andrews & Slade, 2001)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those currently taking medication or receiving psychological treatment for depression
• History of epilepsy
• Diagnosed with cancer and/or on antifolate therapy
• Have a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
• Are currently taking vitamin supplements containing folate, B2, B6 or B12 at a dose exceeding 25% of the recommended daily intake.
• Medical contradictions to exercise (e.g., significant orthopaedic problems or cardiovascular disease that would prevent regular aerobic exercise)
• Ongoing participation in regular aerobic exercise.

Total Enrolment

2000

Contact Details

Janine G Walker, BA (Hons), MA, PhD
061 2 6125 2741
janine.walker@anu.edu.au   

Helen Christensen, BA (Hons) Mpsych, PhD, FASSA
0061 6125 8409
helen.christensen@anu.edu.au

Locations:

Australian National University
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Australia, 0200