Escitalopram for Agitation in Alzheimer's Disease

To join this study, people must have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and be experiencing agitation. Their memory and thinking skills will be assessed, but they don't need to be able to fully understand and sign forms themselves, as a caregiver can help with this process. Crucially, a caregiver who spends a good amount of time with them every week and can attend study visits is also required.

There are also some reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if they have another brain condition that explains their dementia, such as Parkinson's disease, or if they have severe depression. People living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities are not able to participate. Also, if there's a medical reason why they shouldn't take escitalopram, they won't be able to join. This includes if they've recently taken certain other medicines called MAOIs, or if they're allergic to escitalopram or similar drugs.

If you decide to take part, you and your caregiver will first receive support through talking and guidance. If this support doesn't help with agitation after three weeks, you might then be randomly chosen to receive either the study medicine (escitalopram, up to 15 mg per day) or a dummy pill (placebo) for 12 weeks.

Throughout the 12 weeks, you'll have appointments at weeks 3, 6, 9, and 12. Some of these can be in person, while others might be over the phone or video call. There will also be phone calls between these appointments to check in on how you're doing. If the initial talking support does help, you won't take the study medication but will still be checked on remotely for a period. The total duration of participation will depend on whether you receive the medication or respond to the initial support. Your caregiver will be an important part of the process, helping with visits and sharing information.