Escitalopram for Depression and Alzheimer's Prevention
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial will test if treating depression with the antidepressant escitalopram can affect biological markers related to Alzheimer's disease. It targets people with major depressive disorder to see if reducing their depression can also lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's. The study compares escitalopram to understand its effects on these markers. Escitalopram is commonly used to treat major depressive disorder.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?
You may need to stop taking certain medications to join the trial. If you are on antidepressants like fluoxetine, you will need a washout period (time without taking the medication). Some medications, like continuous aspirin or NSAIDs, must be temporarily stopped before certain procedures. If you are on stable doses of prescribed psychoactive medications, you may be able to continue them.
Is escitalopram safe for humans?
Escitalopram, also known as Lexapro or Cipralex, is generally considered safe for humans, but like many medications, it can have side effects. Some studies have looked at its use in Alzheimer's disease and depression, and while it may be safer than some antipsychotics, there are concerns about potential heart-related side effects, similar to those seen with citalopram.12345
How is the drug escitalopram unique for treating depression and preventing Alzheimer's?
Escitalopram is unique because it is being studied not only for treating depression but also for potentially preventing dementia in patients with depression and cognitive issues related to chronic brain ischemia (reduced blood flow to the brain). Unlike other treatments, it is being explored for its dual role in addressing both mood and cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease.12367
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Escitalopram for preventing Alzheimer's in patients with depression?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Nunzio Pomara
Principal Investigator
NYU Langone Health
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals aged 60+ with major depressive disorder and no cognitive impairment, as indicated by specific mental state and dementia rating scales. Participants must be medically stable, fluent in English, willing to undergo various tests including MRI and lumbar puncture, and not have a significant history of neurological disorders or substance abuse.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either the SSRI antidepressant escitalopram or placebo to treat depressive symptoms
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Escitalopram Oxalate
- Placebo
Escitalopram Oxalate is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Major depressive episodes
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
NYU Langone Health
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator