1 in 10 individuals experience depression, which causes poorer health, functioning, and a high suicide rate in older populations. Despite this, older adults are less likely to respond to drug or psychological treatment for depression and are more susceptible to medication side effects and drug-drug interactions. Also, executive dysfunction, which is prevalent in late-life depression, often persists even after mood symptoms have improved. Having a novel alternative or adjuvant evidence based-treatment for late-life depression is of urgent need in a rapidly aging society like Hong Kong.

Computerized cognitive training (CCT) that targets executive dysfunction might be a promising treatment for depression. It has several advantages compared to the existing interventions: it is standardized, structured, and can be repeated; it is easily accessible and more cost effective than psychotherapy; it allows monitoring of adherence; and there is no concern for drug-drug interaction or side-effects. Moreover, our CCT program, which was specifically designed for older adults with depression, has already been demonstrated to improve mood, cognition and neurotrophic factor level. To extend the reach and impact of our CCT, we aim to disseminate and implement the CCT within the community, targeting older adults with untreated depression and those with persistent symptoms despite treatment.

Existing treatments do not adequately address depression in older adults. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) may bridge the gap by serving as a safe and cost-effective intervention, improving mood in older adults with depression. Our CCT may also enable community centres to implement a safe and effective evidence-based non-pharmacological intervention for older adults with depression. In addition to the CCT, our educational talks can help increase awareness of depression in public, reduce stigma, promote early detection and encourage those with depression to seek help.

Public (2,000)
Older Adults with Depression (160)
Community Centres

2024

Healthcare, Mental Health, Well-being