Could an antidepressant shield the brain in Parkinson's?
NCT ID NCT04497168
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether taking citalopram for 26 months could slow the buildup of harmful amyloid plaques in the brain area responsible for visual thinking in people with Parkinson's disease. Fifty-eight participants aged 65 and older were randomly assigned to receive either citalopram or a placebo. The goal was to see if the drug could protect against cognitive decline related to vision and spatial awareness.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
citalopram
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a way to protect thinking skills in Parkinson's disease by reducing harmful brain plaques.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 58 participants. The drug may not change plaque levels or thinking, and citalopram can have side effects like nausea or drowsiness.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PARKINSON DISEASE are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States