Aβ Dynamics in LLMD

This study is looking at how depression might be linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Researchers want to see if treating depression can change certain biological markers related to AD. You might be able to join if you are 60 or older, have major depressive disorder, and meet other health criteria. The study will compare an FDA-approved antidepressant called escitalopram oxalate with a placebo (an inactive substance). Success would mean that reducing depressive symptoms leads to normal levels of AD markers in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and other inflammatory markers. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design: This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 60 participants. It compares escitalopram oxalate to a placebo.
What's involved: Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: Biomarker levels will be measured at the beginning of the study and again at Week 8.

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

Aβ Dynamics in LLMD

Recruiting

PHASE4Ages 60+InterventionalTreatment

NYU Langone Health

~60 participants

Updated 2026-05-06 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What's tested:Escitalopram OxalatePlacebo

At a glance

Recruiting sites

2 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

Change in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Aβ40 Biomarker Levels

Measured over Baseline, Week 8

+3 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Alzheimer Disease

Major Depressive Disorder

Where it's being run

2 sites across 1 states

New York2

Study leadership

Nunzio Pomara, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · NYU Langone Health

Who to contact

Antero Sarreal, MD

[email protected]

845-398-6532

Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

If study partner is not available, the CDR will be skipped.

Exclusion

For subjects taking prescribed psychoactive medications and supplements (i.e., opioids, amphetamines, amphetamine-like substances, and cannabinoids), must be on a stable dose for 1 month prior to randomization.

Anti-Parkinsonian medications (carbidopa/levodopa, amantadine, bromocriptine, pergolide, selegiline).

Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine

Continuous aspirin (any dosage) use which can affect platelet function is prohibited. Exception: If participant is on low dose aspirin for prophylaxis and is willing to temporarily discontinue prior to research blood draw (i.e., 2 days before).

Continuous use of other medications which are also known to affect platelet function, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-histamines. Exception: If participant is taking medication continuously and is willing to temporarily discontinue prior to research blood draw (i.e., 2 days before)

What this trial measures

Change in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Aβ40 Biomarker LevelsBaseline, Week 8
Change in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Aβ42 Biomarker LevelsBaseline, Week 8
Change in Vascular Dysfunction (VD) Biomarker LevelsBaseline, Week 8
Change in Scores on Montgomery-Asberg Depression Ration Scale (MADRS)Baseline, Week 8
MADRS consists of 10 items evaluating core symptoms of depression (e.g, apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, reduced sleep, reduced appetite, concentration difficulties, lassitude, inability to feel, pessimistic thought, and suicidal thoughts). Each symptom is rated on a 0-6 scale (0=no abnormality, 6=severe). The total score ranges from 0 to 60; the higher the score, the more severe the symptoms.

Trialytics