This study is testing if ketamine can help Veterans with Parkinson's disease (PD) who also experience depression. Many people with PD struggle with depression, and current treatments don't always work well. Researchers are giving either ketamine or remimazolam (an active placebo) through an IV to 80 Veterans with PD. They want to see if ketamine improves depression symptoms within 24 hours. They are also looking at how ketamine might affect the brain's ability to adapt (neuroplasticity) and reduce inflammation, which are thought to be involved in PD. To join, you need to be a U.S. Veteran with PD, between 40 and 80 years old, and have not responded well to at least one antidepressant medication.

Study design

This is a double-masked, active placebo-controlled study, meaning neither you nor your doctor will know if you are receiving ketamine or remimazolam. About 80 Veterans with Parkinson's disease will participate.

What's involved

You would receive a single intravenous (IV) infusion of either ketamine or remimazolam. Clinical assessments for adverse events, tolerability, and depression will be conducted, along with non-invasive brain stimulation and blood tests.

Compensation

Not stated in the trial record.

Follow-up

Your depression symptoms will be measured at baseline and 24 hours after the infusion.

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