Purpose

This 48-week study uses the medications escitalopram (Lexapro) for the treatment of depression and memantine (Namenda) for the treatment of difficulties related to memory, language, reasoning, attention and other thought processes. Patients will begin taking Lexapro at the outset of the study and will add on Namenda after two weeks. At 12 weeks, the patient’s antidepressant response will be assessed, and based on the robustness of that response, the patient will either continue on Lexapro or receive the clinician’s choice of an alternative antidepressant medication. The patient will continue to take Namenda throughout the study. Cognitive tests will be administered at 12-week intervals throughout the 48-week trial.

Type of Study: Clinical Trial
Setting of Study: outpatient
Clinical Trials.gov number: 
Providing Clinical Treatment?: Yes
No Cost Treatment?: Yes

Study Activities

Filling Out Forms
Computer Tasks
Provides Payment: Reimbursement for transportation
Provides Payment: Compensation for study related procedures

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study: 50 Years - Years
Genders Eligible for Study: Both
This study is not recruiting Healthy Volunteers.

Criteria

Location: NYSPI Unit 126 1051 Riverside Dr. New York, NY 10032
Clinic: Mid and Late Life Depression
Division: Biological Psychiatry

Study chairs or principal investigators:
Gregory H. Pelton M.D., Principal Investigator

Co-investigators:
D.P. Devanand,
Steven Roose,