RecruitingPhase 4NCT05004987

Aβ Dynamics in LLMD

Depression Treatment and Aβ Dynamics: A Study of Alzheimer's Disease Risk (ABD Study)

Sponsor

NYU Langone Health

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Feb 4, 2022

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Alzheimer Disease Major Depressive Disorder

Summary

This study will examine the biological factors that may modulate the relationship between depression and the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since the direction of causation between depression and the biological factors associated with AD is unknown, the only way to understand cause and associated risk is to treat the depressive symptoms and examine the effects on AD biomarkers. The study involves an FDA-approved treatment for major depressive disorder. It will compare the SSRI antidepressant escitalopram with placebo. The hypothesis is that a reduction in depressive symptoms will be associated with a normalization of CSF AD biomarkers as well as peripheral inflammatory markers. This research would contribute to fundamental knowledge about potentially modifiable risks of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Eligibility

Min Age: 60 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study looks at changes in amyloid-beta proteins (a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease) in older adults aged 60 and above who have depression but no memory problems. The goal is to understand whether treating depression affects Alzheimer's-related brain changes. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 60 years of age or older - You have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder - Your memory and thinking are currently normal (no dementia or cognitive impairment) - Your score on cognitive screening tests is within the normal range - You are fluent in English and can read at a 6th grade level - Your physical and neurological exams are within normal limits **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have been diagnosed with dementia or have significant memory problems - Your depression rating scores are below the minimum threshold - You have significant medical conditions affecting your heart, brain, or nervous system Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

DRUGEscitalopram Oxalate

The daily dose of ESC/PBO will be 10 mg for the first 2 weeks, then increase to 20 mg as tolerated, with an option to reduce back to 10 mg if necessary.

DRUGPlacebo

Daily dose of placebo will mimic that of ESC.