Depression in Parkinson

Many, or perhaps most, persons with Parkinson, experience depression during the course of the disease. The psychological pain of depression may be at times disabling on its own and there is strong evidence that depression further worsens motor performance at all stages of Parkinson. There may be different type of depression in Parkinson, and the response to conventional antidepressants is often poor.

At the NYU Parkinson and Movement Disorders Center we are conducting a National Institute of Health sponsored study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of two antidepressants: Escitalopram (also known as Lexapro®) and S-Adenosyl-methionine (SAMe) a natural occurring substance that may have  fewer side effects and may be more specific for the symptoms of depression associated with Parkinson.

We are also investigating whether the depression that develops in early stages of PD is similar in characteristic and response to treatment than the depression observed in more advanced stages. Depression, particularly in advanced stages of Parkinson, may also lead to cognitive and intellectual changes, which are being investigated as part of the study.