Clinical Research Directory

Investigating the Efficacy and Mechanisms of Individualized tACS Targeting Anhedonia in Late-Life Depression

This project focuses on clinical translational research into personalized transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) for treating anhedonia in late-life depression (LLD). Key components include: (1) Optimizing individualized tACS treatment parameters through randomized, double-blind, controlled trials and establishing precise treatment protocols using deep learning algorithms; (2) Assessing the short-term (2 weeks) and long-term (3 months) efficacy of tACS on depressive symptoms and anhedonia using scales such as the HAMD, SHAPS, and DARS, while monitoring safety; (3) Integrating multimodal detection technologies (64-channel EEG, inflammatory factors/neurotransmitters, etc.) to elucidate the mechanisms by which tACS alleviates anhedonia through modulating prefrontal neural oscillations (y-band), improving synaptic plasticity (increased BDNF), and regulating neurotransmitters (5-HT, DA). This study will establish, for the first time, an individualized parameter system for tACS treatment of LLD, providing a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for clinical practice.

Effects of Specific Amino Acid Supplementation and Lifestyle Factors on Brain Ageing

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.

Effects of Mindfulness or Brain Stimulation Intervention for Late-life Adults in Taiwan Urban and Rural Areas

This randomized controlled trial will examine the effects of mindfulness-based interventions and brain stimulation interventions on cognitive function and psychological well-being in older adults. The study will employ a comprehensive assessment approach incorporating psychological evaluations, behavioral assessments, psychophysiological measurements, and neuroimaging analyses to characterize the outcome of nonpharmaceutical interventions in improving geriatric well-being or reducing depression severity.