Trial results for a cognitive fitness intervention for Depression in older adults were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2026-04-29. The NeuroFlex Intervention Group showed a mean reduction of 4.40 points on the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).
Background
Depression, including mild and major depressive disorders, is a significant concern in older adults, often co-occurring with mild cognitive impairment. Current treatments often involve antidepressants, but there is ongoing research into adjunctive therapies. This trial explored whether computerized cognitive fitness activities could enhance both cognitive function and reduce depressive symptoms in older depressed adults already on antidepressant treatment, also investigating potential changes in brain activity.
Trial design
This completed trial (NCT04790630) enrolled 38 participants, investigating a cognitive fitness intervention for individuals with Depression Mild, Depressive Disorder, Major, and Mild Cognitive Impairment. The study compared a NeuroFlex Intervention Group, which received computerized administered cognitive fitness activities, against a Computerized Control Group.
Key results
Key measurements from the trial included changes in cognitive function and depression scores:
- Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS): The NeuroFlex Intervention Group showed a mean change of -4.40 points (Standard Deviation: 6.59 points on depression rating scale), while the Computerized Control Group showed a mean change of -2.61 points (Standard Deviation: 7.97 points on depression rating scale).
- NIH Toolbox Pattern Comparison Speed Task: The NeuroFlex Intervention Group had a mean change of 11.44 T-score (Standard Deviation: 12.18 T-score), compared to the Computerized Control Group's mean change of 2.20 T-score (Standard Deviation: 13.55 T-score).
- Trail Making Part B Test: The NeuroFlex Intervention Group showed a mean change of 5.06 seconds (Standard Deviation: 59.01 seconds), while the Computerized Control Group showed a mean change of -1.55 seconds (Standard Deviation: 23.71 seconds).
- California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) Total Learning: The NeuroFlex Intervention Group had a mean change of 3.08 words recalled (Standard Deviation: 10.29 words), compared to the Computerized Control Group's mean change of 4.40 words recalled (Standard Deviation: 11.76 words).
What this means
The trial's results present a mixed picture regarding the efficacy of computerized cognitive fitness activities for older adults with depression and mild cognitive impairment. On the one hand, the NeuroFlex Intervention Group demonstrated a larger mean reduction in depression symptoms as measured by the MADRS (-4.40 points) compared to the control group (-2.61 points). Similarly, the NeuroFlex group showed a greater improvement in processing speed on the NIH Toolbox Pattern Comparison Speed Task (mean change of 11.44 T-score) compared to the control group (2.20 T-score).
However, for other cognitive measures, the NeuroFlex intervention did not show a consistent benefit. The Trail Making Part B Test indicated a mean increase in completion time for the NeuroFlex group (5.06 seconds), while the control group showed a mean decrease (-1.55 seconds), suggesting a potential decline in executive function for the intervention group on this specific task. Additionally, the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) Total Learning showed a larger mean increase in words recalled for the control group (4.40 words) compared to the NeuroFlex group (3.08 words). These findings suggest that while some aspects of depression and cognition may improve with the NeuroFlex intervention, others may not, or may even perform less favorably than a computerized control.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for study NCT04790630, titled "Cognitive Fitness for Depression in Older Adults," were posted on 2026-04-29 on clinicaltrials.gov.