Alzheimer's disease is currently an incurable disease. It follows a chronically progressive course that is eventually fatal. Several clinical trials in the United States are in progress in an attempt to cure or slow the progression of Alzheimer's.
Function
Medications are being tested to see if they will cure, slow the progression or alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Compounds being tested include natural substances, such as derivatives of flowers from the rain forest and synthetic compounds created in the lab. In the United States, when a compound shows promise in the lab and appears to be safe, it is then tested on animals. If those results are promising, the compound is tested in healthy human volunteers. After that, the drug is tested in a small group of volunteers with Alzheimer's disease. If the results are positive, the drug is then tested in a larger group of volunteers with the disease. There may be several of these trials and the entire process often takes close to a decade to complete. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, who has been monitoring the entire process, decides whether to approve the drug for use in the United States as an Alzheimer's medication.
Significance
Clinical trials for Alzheimer's Disease take place throughout the country. Most of them take place in larger cities and can occur at a hospital, physician's office or freestanding research center. No drug currently available on the market cures Alzheimer's disease. This leads many people to become involved as a volunteer in a clinical trial, as the potential for a cure is possible.
Considerations Before Entering a Clinical Trial
American citizens can usually enroll in a trial in any geographic area of the country. You may or may not have to live in the area during the time of the trial. Each clinical trial has different inclusion and exclusion criteria. For example, a trial may require an age range for participants and not allow people with a history of multiple sclerosis. If you fit the criteria for a clinical trial, and the trial is currently enrolling participants, contact the study coordinator for an appointment. You will be tested for various conditions and the trial will be explained to you. You must sign that you understand the implications of the clinical trial. Study medication is provided and you will be medically monitored for effects from the drug.
Keep in mind that many clinical trials give some participants the study medication while other participants may receive a placebo or a currently approved medication and the volunteer usually will not know what he is receiving. You must also fully understand that the drug could cause harm. Trials can last for two or more years or end at any time. You can end your participation in a clinical trial at any time.
The Latest in Alzheimer's Disease Cure Research
One clinical trial that is receiving attention involves the compound bapineuzumab, a human mooclonal antibody. Results have been promising for some of the volunteers enrolled in the study.
According to a study published in "The Lancet," the antihistamine dimebon is showing efficacy against Alzheimer's disease in clinical trials in Russia. It is also being tested in the United States, but is not currently enrolling participants.
When Will a Cure Be Found?
No one is certain when a cure will be found. The causes of Alzheimer's appear to be complex and include genetic, lifestyle and environmental components. Progress continues to be made toward slowing the progression of the disease and managing its symptoms. As the number of patients with Alzheimer's continues to climb, clinical trials give the hope of a cure for this challenging disease.
