Could an antidepressant shield the brain in Parkinson's?

NCT ID NCT04497168

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Michigan Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Parkinson disease Plaque, Amyloid

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PARKINSON DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

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