Developing a Peer Support Intervention for Depression in SCD

With support from the MADRC ORE Core, we will recruit 30 community-dwelling older adults to conduct an open pilot study of PeersCOG. Trained and supervised peer coaches will deliver depression care to adults 60 years of age and older with depression and subjective cognitive decline in an 8-week intervention using video chats and texts. We will use mixed methods to assess feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity. We will use validated instruments to assess the preliminary outcomes, including depression, SCD, functioning, and social factors at baseline, 8 weeks, and 3 months, and we will conduct post-intervention interviews with stakeholders at 8 weeks. Older adult participants will be asked to name a study partner who will support the older adult throughout the study in terms of study enrollment. They may also have additional perspectives on the impact of impaired cognition and depression on daily living and related needs. The older adult will not be excluded if the study partner is not available.

Inclusion criteria

• Older adults aged 60+
• Endorse subjective cognitive decline
• Endorse depressive symptoms
• not currently experiencing suicidal ideation nor active, untreated manic, psychotic, or substance use disorder
• fluent in English and able to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Meets diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's dementia
• Meets diagnostic criteria for a current major depressive disorder
• have a history of neurological and psychiatric comorbidities such as major depressive disorder in the past 12 months