An open-label study of escitalopram (Lexapro) for the treatment of 'Depression of Alzheimer's disease' (dAD).
BACKGROUND
Depression is a frequent neuropsychiatric complication of Alzheimer's Disease.


METHODS
This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of escitalopram (LEXAPRO) for depression in AD (dAD) as defined by the NIMH consensus criteria in an 8-week, open-label treatment study.


CONCLUSIONS
Escitalopram was efficacious and safe for the treatment of dAD in this study. Larger, controlled studies are warranted to further assess the efficacy for mood and behavioral disturbances in this medically fragile population.
Rao
V
V
Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. vrao@jhmi.edu
Spiro
J R
JR
Rosenberg
P B
PB
Lee
H B
HB
Rosenblatt
A
A
Lyketsos
C G
CG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015283:Citalopram / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D015283:Citalopram