The elderly are especially susceptible to the effects of depression. The study will be held at the University of Rochester Medical Center and will evaluate the progress of 50 elderly patients, half of whom will receive pills containing Prozac, and half of whom will receive a placebo. Patients will be evaluated by interviews with study staff. They also will receive a free physical examination upon entering the trial. Then, once a week for the next 12 weeks they will meet with study staff either in their own home, or in the study offices at the Medical Center, so Lyness and his colleagues can learn if their depressive symptoms are improving.
Medications are free to study participants, and patients are paid for their participation.
Lyness believes that when the study is completed in late 1999, its results will shed light on more effective treatments for those suffering from these conditions. Patients who believe they may be eligible for this study and are interested in participating should talk with their own physician. Physicians who have patients they would like to refer to the study can call Dr. Lyness' research office at the University of Rochester Medical Center at 275-2217. See related articles in the AgeVenture archives. For people who suffer from burning mouth syndrome, low doses of the drug clonazepam may offer significant relief, according to a study by a Case Western Reserve University professor in the November issue of Oral Surgery.