Are you interested in clinical trials but don't currently see one that suits you? You can now join our ADRC Registry to be placed on a list for future studies. Participants can be normal controls, have a slight memory problem, or be diagnosed with early to moderate AD. Call the ADRC 858-622-5800 and ask for Christina Gigliotti for more information.
Clinical Trials Currently Enrolling New Participants
Biomarkers in Aging, MCI and AD
PI: Douglas Galasko, M.D.
This study will measure levels of a number of different proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in blood in order to compare these biomarker levels amongst people who have normal cognitive ability, mild memory problems, or early Alzheimer’s’ disease (AD).
participants will receive up to $200 per year of the study for undergoing the lumbar punctures.
all study procedures provided at no cost
Passive Immunization
(Amyloid antibody treatment for Alzheimer’s disease)
PI: James Brewer, MD, PhD
Passive Immunization is a Phase 3 study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational drug, Bapineuzumab, for controlling progression of AD. Most current therapies for Alzheimer’s treat the symptoms associated with it and not the disease itself. Bapineuzumab is an antibody (a type of protein usually produced by white blood cells to destroy other substances) that may help to clear beta amyloid from the brain. Beta amyloid is a protein that accumulates in brain tissue to form plaques, which are believed to play a major role in the development of AD.
Bapineuzumab is given as a series (a total of 6) of intravenous infusions, delivering antibodies to beta-amyloid. This approach is called “passive immunization,” since the body is receiving the antibodies via the drug, rather than generating the antibodies itself. This drug is being tested in individuals with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s. Approximately 4,000 subjects at more than 350 sites worldwide (include 200 sites in the United States and Canada) are expected to participate. Study participants will be randomly assigned to receive Bapineuzumab, or a placebo, so there is a 60 % chance of receiving Bapineuzumab and a 40 % chance of receiving a placebo.
The clinical assessments visits will take place at the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. The infusion visits will take place at the General Clinical Research Center at the UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest. The infusion visits will occur every 13 weeks.
The Home Based Assessment will evaluate three in-home types of information gathering and determine how practical each method is. Second, it will find out if these three methods of gathering information can detect a change and a rate of change in both the volunteers’ daily living activities and their functional capabilities over time.
Criteria
normal mental function
aged 75 and older
able to live independently
fluent in English
willing to take multi-vitamins provided by the study
able to dial a telephone, have access to secure mail, possess minimal computer skills or a willingness to learn
Study Procedures
4 years
in-person screening assessment that includes a physical exam, a medical history, a memory assessment, and a neurological exam
blood sample
random assignment to one of three information gathering methods: Mail/Phone, telephone, Interactive Voice Response, or Electronic Kiosk
completion of experimental assessments via their assigned method at specified monthly, quarterly, or annual intervals
Basic research studies found that blocking the itneraction of amyloid beta protein and a receptor called Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE) led to a decrease in amyloid deposits. In this study, researchers will test whether a novel drug that acts as a RAGE Inhibitor (RI) slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease as well as behavioral problems that may occur.
Criteria
age 50 or older
have mild to moderate AD (MMSE 14-26)
have not suffered from serious/unstable disease within the past three months
are not diabetic
are able to see and hear well
are able to read and write in the language in which the tests are presented
have a reliable caregiver
are willing and able to participate in the 22-month study
