Escitalopram for Agitation in Alzheimer's Disease

This study is designed to examine the efficacy and safety of escitalopram as treatment for agitation in Alzheimer's dementia (AD) patients. Participants with clinically significant agitation, and their caregiver(s), will receive a structured psychosocial intervention. Participants not showing a response three weeks later will be randomized 1:1 to escitalopram (up to 15 mg/day) or a matching placebo. Participants will receive study drug or placebo for 12 weeks, with in-person and remote (phone/video) visits at weeks 3, 6, 9, and 12, and with telephone contacts between in-person and remote visits. Participants who do show a response to the psychosocial intervention will not be randomized to study drug but will be followed remotely.