Depression and Driving Study in Older Adults

This observational study is looking at how depression, early Alzheimer's disease (preclinical AD), and antidepressant medications might affect driving in adults aged 65 and older who are otherwise healthy. Researchers will use special scans called PET scans with tracers like F 18 AV-1451 (Flortaucipir) and [11C]-Pittsburgh Compound B ([11C]PiB) to look at brain changes. They will also track your driving behavior using a device called a DRIVES chip. The goal is to understand who might be at risk for driving decline and how to prevent accidents. To join, you must be 65 or older, drive at least once a week, have a valid driver's license, and be willing to have blood drawn and either a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or PET imaging. This study is currently recruiting participants.

Study design
This is an observational study, meaning researchers will watch and collect information without giving specific treatments. It aims to enroll 150 participants.
What's involved
You would need to complete a blood draw and either a lumbar puncture or PET imaging. Your driving will be monitored daily for up to five years using a DRIVES chip.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your driving behavior will be monitored daily for up to five years using a DRIVES chip.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05446805

Depression and Driving

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 65+Observational
Washington University School of Medicine
~150 participants
Updated 2026-06-08 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:F 18 AV-1451 (Flortaucipir)[11C]-Pittsburgh Compound B ([11C]PiB)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Latitude via DRIVES chip
Measured over Daily for up to five years
+14 more outcomes measured
Depression
Drive

NCT05446805

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Washington University School of Medicine

    St Louis, Missouristudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Beau Ances, MD, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Washington University School of Medicine

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Drive on average at least once per week
Has a valid driver's license
Willing to complete blood draw
Willing to complete either lumbar puncture or PET imaging
65 years or older
Speaks English

Exclusion

Not willing to complete blood draw and/or one other biomarker
Less than 65 years of age
Does not drive a vehicle/ is no longer actively driving
  • Latitude via DRIVES chipDaily for up to five years

    The latitude coordinate of the location of the vehicle being driven

  • Longitude via DRIVES chipDaily for up to five years

    The Longitude coordinate of the location of the vehicle being driven

  • Vehicle Speed via DRIVES chipDaily for up to five years

    The speed at which the vehicle being driven is moving.

  • Speed Limit via DRIVES chipDaily for up to five years

    The posted speed limit for the location that participant is driving.

  • Difference via DRIVES chipDaily for up to five years

    The difference between the speed at which the vehicle is moving and the posted speed limit for the location.

  • Event Name via DRIVES ChipDaily for up to five years

    Name of the geofence in which participant had a driving event.

  • Address via DRIVES chipDaily for up to five years

    Address of the location in which participant had a driving event.

  • Event Type via DRIVES chipDaily for up to five years

    Enumeration describing the type of event: ignition on, heartbeat, ignition off, braking, acceleration, overspeeding, idling, low fuel, cornering, low battery event, diagnostic event triggered.

  • Event Time via DRIVES chipDaily for up to five years

    Timestamp in GMT on which the event occurred.

  • Odometer Reading via DRIVES chipDaily for up to five years

    Odometer reading of the vehicle.

  • Trip Distance via DRIVES chipDaily for up to five years

    Total distance covered during the trip

  • Peak Speed via DRIVES chipDaily for up to five years

    Highest speed attained by the vehicle during the trip.

  • Average SpeedDaily for up to five years

    Average trip speed of the vehicle.

  • Initial Speed via DRIVES chipDaily for up to five years

    Speed at the beginning of the trip.

  • Final Speed via DRIVES chip.Daily for up to five years

    Speed at the end of the trip.