Jefferson Awarded Multi-Million Dollar Grant from National Eye Institute for New Clinical Trial
Researchers to Study Depression and Disability in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients
Researchers
at the Farber Institute for Neurosciences at Thomas Jefferson
University and the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at
Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University were recently
awarded a $3.7 million grant from The National Eye Institute to study
depression in patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration
(AMD). Barry W. Rovner, M.D., director of Clinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Research at the Farber Institute for Neurosciences and professor of
Psychiatry and Neurology at Jefferson Medical College; and Robin
Casten, Ph.D., associate professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at
Jefferson Medical College, will lead the single site study of 200 AMD
patients, who will be followed for 12 months, to determine the
effectiveness of a treatment program designed to prevent depression and
disability in these patients.
AMD
is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and
older. It gradually destroys sharp, central vision, which is needed for
seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and
driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to
see fine detail. In some cases, the disease advances so slowly that
people notice little change in their vision. In others, it progresses
faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes.
“Vision
loss in the elderly is a major risk factor for depression. The disease
robs older persons of their ability to perform everyday activities and
limits their independence,” said Dr. Rovner. “The loss of these
abilities and having to give up valued activities can lead to
depression. We want to find ways to improve the vision skills of people
with AMD and thereby prevent depression.”
The
Low Vision Depression Prevention Trial will test a combined treatment
to prevent depression and disability associated with AMD. It will test
the efficacy of a low vision rehabilitation and psychological
intervention program designed to treat/prevent depression in patients
diagnosed with the disease by helping them maintain their independence
and participation in enjoyable activities. The study consists of two
low vision optometry visits, in which specially trained optometrists
will evaluate visual function and develop a rehabilitative plan; and
six in-home occupational therapy visits where low-vision occupational
therapists will teach compensatory strategies to improve visual ability
and administer a behavioral treatment to activate subjects and enable
them to remain engaged in valued activities.
“Vision
loss in the elderly is extremely distressing, significantly impacts
quality of life, and is a risk factor for nursing home placement,” said
Dr. Casten. “Finding ways to help these patients maintain their
independence and engagement with life is key to promoting successful
aging.”
Media Only Contact:
Ed Federico
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Phone: (215) 955-6300
Published: 10/1/2008