Geriatric Psychiatry Research Program

This study will last about 3 months and will involve about 3 screening visits to determine if you are eligible and 4 treatment visits.

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While in this study you will be asked have an MRI (i.e., a picture of your brain) and 2 lumbar punctures (i.e., to measure potential biological indicators of AD risk).

 

An MRI and an LP will be done at the start of the study and one LP will be done at the end of the study), both of which will take place at NYULH. We will provide transportation for these additional study procedures.

 

After a 2-week ‘washout’ period where you will not take your regular antidepressant medication, you will be assigned by chance to either receive escitalopram or placebo (looks like escitalopram, but contains no active medication). For every 2 people who receive escitalopram, 1 person will receive placebo. There will also be safety phone calls throughout the study, on the weeks that you do not have a visit.

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Alternatives to Participation:
Should you choose not to participate, the following alternative options are available to you: Discuss with your primary doctor alternative treatments for depression such as cognitive behavioral therapy or alternate antidepressant treatments.