Could a memory drug boost antidepressants? small brain study launches
NCT ID NCT07139834
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early study is testing whether adding the drug memantine (used for Alzheimer's) to a standard antidepressant can improve how the brain processes memories in people with major depression. Thirty adults aged 18-50 will take an SSRI for 11 weeks, and for the last 6 weeks they will also receive either memantine or a placebo. Researchers will use brain scans and memory tasks to see if the combination works better than the antidepressant alone.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
escitalopram (or sertraline) and extended-release memantine
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a new way to boost memory and thinking in people with depression by adding memantine to standard antidepressants.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early-phase study (30 people) focused on brain scans and cognitive tests, not on curing depression. The results may not lead to a new treatment and could fail to show any benefit.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI)
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10032, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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