Telehealth Management of Depression and Social Isolation in Older Adults with Memory Impairment

Principal Investigator: Melba Hernandez-Tejada, PhD, DHA

Study Contact

Name: Melba Hernandez

Erica Fuller

Email Address: melba.a.hernandeztejada@uth.tmc.edu

erica.m.fuller@uth.tmc.edu

Phone number: 713-486-2729

713-486-2630

This study is currently looking for people who:

• Are 60 years or older
• Report sadness/depression symptoms
• Report some memory complaints (no need to have a diagnosis of memory impairment)
• Have a caregiver (caregiver does not need to be a professional, a caregiver can be a relative, friend, etc., that takes care and/or helps the potential participant with medical appointments, food, driving around, etc.)

Study Description:

The purpose of this study is to investigate how effective and helpful the combination of a depression treatment and a caregiver helping at specific points of treatment may be in treating depressive symptoms and feelings of social isolation. The treatment we are studying is called Behavioral Activation and it is delivered in a telehalth format, so participants can participate in the comfort of their home. During the study, participants will be asked questions about their mood, assessed for depression, anxiety periodically. The total time commitment is 9-10 consecutive weeks.

All participants will be compensated for their time.