Trials in your area

The U.S. government hosts a comprehensive online
database of medical research on all diseases at
ClinicalTrials.gov. The search box below makes it easy for
you to search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies related to
Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, or mild cognitive
impairment (MCI). You can find studies in any U.S. state or
Canadian province.

There are many other ways to search ClinicalTrials.gov. For example, you can search on the name of a specific hospital or research center, a zip code, or a city. To explore more search strategies, visit the ClinicalTrials.gov Focused Search page.

Your Alzheimer’s Association local office may know about additional research opportunities in your area. You can also call our 24/7 Helpline anytime day or night for help finding a study in your area at 1.800.272.3900.

In the following sections, this page also lists examples of ClinicalTrials.gov studies recruiting participants at more than one U.S. site. Many of these studies are under way nationwide.

For more information about participating in clinical research, please see our Clinical Studies section.

Phase III interventional trials

Phase III clinical studies provide the chief evidence for safety and effectiveness that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers in deciding whether to approve a drug. The following Alzheimer drugs in Phase III clinical studies are “interventional drugs” designed to slow or stop the progression of the disease.

Other types of interventional studies evaluate investigational medications that focus on treating symptoms or preventing the disease. Interventional studies are different from observational studies, in which researchers can only observe what happens to a group or groups of people undergoing a particular treatment and then record the outcomes.

• Bapineuzumab is designed to bind to and remove the beta-amyloid peptide that accumulates in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s. Bapineuzumab is given as a series of injections, 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.
  Trial details at ClinicalTrials.gov

• Dimebon improves the function of mitochondria in the brain. Mitochondria are the central energy source of all cells. Impaired mitochondrial function may contribute to the loss of brain cell function in Alzheimer’s. In a one-year, placebo-controlled trial of patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s, Dimebon improved cognition and memory, activities of daily living and behavior. Study volunteers who received Dimebon for 12 months and continued on Dimebon for an additional six months had preservation of function close to their starting baseline levels on key signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Study volunteers in the placebo group who transferred to Dimebon after 12 months also experienced stabilization of cognitive function. The study seeks approximately 525 volunteers with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s.
  Trial details at ClinicalTrials.gov

• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the brain, is being tested to see if it can slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease. DHA has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. Some research also suggests it may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other types of cognitive decline. The study involves 400 individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.
  Trial details at ClinicalTrials.gov  

• LY-450139 is a gamma-secretase inhibitor. Gamma-secretase is an enzyme that plays a key role in producing the beta-amyloid that goes on to accumulate in the hallmark plaques of Alzheimer’s. Inhibiting gamma-secretase may decrease the production of beta-amyloid and beta-amyloid plaques. Recruitment of 1,500 volunteers with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s is under way.
  Trial details at ClinicalTrials.gov

• Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol found in red wine, has been found in some studies to increase cognition, reduce degeneration of neurons and help clear beta-amyloid from the brain. Several observational studies have shown that moderate consumption of wine is associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Resveratrol may have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Participants in this study will receive either a placebo or a resveratrol capsule daily for 1 year. The study seeks 60 volunteers with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s.
  Trial details at ClinicalTrials.gov

• Rosiglitazone is an insulin sensitizer. Abnormalities in how insulin is used in the brain may contribute to the symptoms and/or progression of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is characterized by decreased use of glucose in the brain. Insulin is necessary to make glucose available to fuel brain activity. Increasing the sensitivity of insulin may make more glucose available for use by the brain and improve brain function. This study involves more than 500 individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.
  Trial details at ClinicalTrials.gov

Treatment trials recruiting in the United States

(Data are as of August 1, 2008. Only select studies and criteria are given; see ClinicalTrials.gov for complete information.)

Antipsychotic Discontinuation in Alzheimer's Disease
Sponsored by: National Institute on Aging; New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00417482
Study phase: Phase I and Phase II
Study location(s): Seven study locations in the United States
Contact: Michelle Motta 1.212.543.6132
mattomi@pi.cpmc.columbia.edu

Study purpose
This study will determine the efficacy and safety of risperidone, an antipsychotic medication, in people with Alzheimer's disease who also exhibit psychotic symptoms or lack of behavioral control.

You may qualify if you

• are between 45 and 90 years old
• have a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease
• have a friend or family member who has had contact with you weekly for the three months before study entry
• meet the criteria for either Alzheimer’s disease psychosis or behavioral problems
• are able to walk without the help of others
• are free of psychotropic medication for at least one week before study entry

You may not qualify if you

• have a psychiatric disorder that predates the onset of Alzheimer’s
• have had a substance abuse problem within the past year
• have had dementia due to head trauma
• have an allergy or intolerance to risperidone 
• have a history of seizures, Parkinson’s disease, diffuse Lewy body disease or other neurological disorders
• have untreated or incompletely treated hypothyroidism
• are blind or deaf or have another disability that may prevent completion of the study
  

Raloxifene for Women with Alzheimer's Disease
Sponsored by: National Institute on Aging; Indiana University; Kaiser Permanente; Stanford University; Southern Illinois University
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00368459
Study phase: Phase II
Study location(s): Three study locations in California, Illinois and Indiana
Contact: Narinder Bolaria 1.650.721.3308
nbolaria@stanford.edu

Study purpose
This study aims to determine whether the drug raloxifene improves cognitive function in women with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Raloxifene mimics the effects of estrogen and is commonly used to treat osteoporosis, or bone thinning, in postmenopausal women.

You may qualify if you

• are female and age 60 or older
• have undergone menopause
• have mild or moderate dementia or probable Alzheimer’s disease
• are in otherwise good physical health
• have a primary caregiver who can accompany you for regular assessments during the study

You may not qualify if you

• have a neurological disorder besides dementia that may affect cognitive health
• have diabetes or another medical condition that might prevent you from completing the study
• have been diagnosed with depression within the past year
• have been taking experimental medication for the treatment of cognitive impairment within the past two months
• have been taking raloxifene within the past six months
• have any allergy or intolerance to raloxifene
  

Vitamin E and Namenda (Memantine) for the Treatment of Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
Sponsored by: Department of Veterans Affairs; Forest Laboratories; DSM Nutritional Products, Inc.
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00235716
Study phase: Phase III
Study location(s): 11 locations in the United States and Puerto Rico
Contact: See ClinicalTrials.gov for specific contact information

Study purpose
This study will test the ability of alpha-tocopherol and memantine to delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's. Alpha-tocopherol is a vitamin that may protect brain cells from Alzheimer-related oxidative stress or damage caused by toxic oxygen molecules. Memantine is a drug that regulates the activities of glutamate, a messenger chemical involved in learning and memory.

You may qualify if you

• have possible or probable Alzheimer’s disease
• have a caregiver who can assume responsibility for your completing the study
• have been taking regular doses of donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine or galantamine ER for a minimum of four weeks before study entry

You may not qualify if you

• have dementia other than Alzheimer’s disease, including frontotemporal dementia
• reside in an assisted living facility
• have depression or another psychiatric disorder
• have an uncontrolled illness that might interfere with participation in the study
• are pregnant or intend to become pregnant
• have a current prescription for warfarin 
• cannot tolerate memantine
  

Safety and Efficacy Study of ABT-089 in Adults with Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
Sponsored by: Abbott
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00555204
Study phase: Phase II
Study location(s): More than 35 study locations in the United States
Contact: Betty Prine 1.847.937.6928
betty.prine@abbott.com

Study purpose
This study will test whether the investigational drug ABT-089 is a safe and effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The researchers believe ABT-089 will promote the ability of messenger chemicals to maintain the brain’s cell-to-cell communication network. This network becomes impaired in Alzheimer’s.

You may qualify if you

• are between 55 and 90 years old
• have mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease
• are surgically sterile or have undergone menopause at least two years before study entry
• have a reliable caregiver who will help you complete the study

You may not qualify if you

• are living in a nursing home
• have a history of brain disease other than Alzheimer's
• have an uncontrolled medical illness
• have a history of drug or alcohol abuse

Effect of LY450139 on the Long-Term Progression of Alzheimer's Disease
Sponsored by: Eli Lilly and Company
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00594568
Study phase: Phase III
Study location(s): nearly 50 study locations worldwide
Contact: Eli Lilly and Company 1.877.285.4559 or 1.317.615.4559

Study purpose
This study will measure the ability of the drug LY450139 to alter the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s. LY450139 may inhibit the production of beta-amyloid, a protein fragment that accumulates in the Alzheimer brain and may damage cell-to-cell communication. Researchers will use a novel imaging technique to assess beta-amyloid in the brain.

You may qualify if you

• are 55 years old or older
• have mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease
• have had both ovaries removed or have not menstruated for at least 12 consecutive months

You may not qualify if you

• cannot swallow whole oral medication
• have a serious or unstable illness
• do not have a reliable caregiver
• have experienced chronic alcohol or drug abuse within the past five years
• have ever had active vaccination for Alzheimer’s disease
  

ELND005 in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
Sponsored by: Elan Pharmaceuticals; Transition Therapeutics
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00568776
Study phase: Phase II
Study location(s): 45 study locations in the United States
Contact: Elan Pharmaceuticals 1.877.687.8839
or study coordinator at each location listed on ClinicalTrials.gov

Study purpose
This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy ELND005 as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. ELND005 may prevent the build-up of the protein fragment beta-amyloid, a key suspect in Alzheimer’s.

You may qualify if you

• are between 50 and 85 years old
• have a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease
• take stable doses of medications for memory loss
• have a caregiver who can attend all study visits

You may not qualify if you

• are unable to speak English, French or Spanish fluently
• have a brain disease other than Alzheimer’s
• have a psychiatric disorder
• have a history of stroke or seizure
• have had a heart attack within the last two years
• have been treated with certain experimental medicines
• have a pacemaker or other foreign metal objects in the body that would interfere with brain scans
  

Bapineuzumab in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
Sponsored by: Elan Pharmaceuticals
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00575055
Study phase: Phase III
Study location(s): More than 125 study locations in the United States
Contact: Elan Pharmaceuticals 1.866.446.5463
or study coordinator at each location listed on ClinicalTrials.gov

Study purpose
This study will assess the effectiveness of bapineuzumab to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s. Bapineuzumab is an antibody that binds to and clears the protein fragment beta-amyloid from the brain. Amyloid build-up is thought to disrupt cell-to-cell communication and promote brain cell death in Alzheimer’s.

You may qualify if you

• are 50 to 88 years old
• have a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease
• are taking stable doses of medications for Alzheimer’s
• have a caregiver who can attend all clinical visits

You may not qualify if you

• have a brain disease other than Alzheimer’s
• have a psychiatric disorder
• have a history of stroke, AIDS or other major illness within the last two years
• smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day
• have taken experimental drugs or vaccines for Alzheimer’s
• can still bear children
• have a pacemaker or other foreign metal objects in the body that would interfere with brain scans

A Phase 2 Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of PF 04494700 in Mild-To-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
Sponsored by: Pfizer; Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00566397
Study phase: Phase II
Study location(s): More than 35 study locations in the United States
Contacts: Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center 1.800.438.4380
Pfizer’s ClinicalTrials.gov Call Center 1.800.718.1021

Study purpose
This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PF 04494700 in participants with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. PF 04494700 may reduce brain levels of the protein beta-amyloid, a key suspect in Alzheimer’s.

You may qualify if you

• are 50 years old or older
• have mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease

You may not qualify if you

• have not been taking Aricept® or similar drugs for at least four months before trial entry
• have any non-Alzheimer brain disease or a psychiatric disorder that could lead to dementia
• have a family history of early-onset Alzheimer’s
• have a history of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• have a history of or symptoms of AIDS or other autoimmune disorders

MK0249 for the Symptomatic Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Sponsored by: Merck
ClinicalTrials.gov #:  NCT00420420
Study phase:  Phase II
Study location(s): Six study locations in the United States
Contact: Merck toll-free number 1.888.577.8839

Study purpose
This study will test the efficacy and safety of the drug MK0249 to improve memory, concentration and other cognitive factors affected by Alzheimer's disease. Study participants must have mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s.

You may qualify if you

• are 55 years old or older
• have mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease
• have a reliable caregiver who can accompany you to all clinic visits
• have been taking stable doses of Alzheimer’s treatments for at least two months

You may not qualify if you

• are living in a nursing facility
• have poorly controlled high blood pressure
• have had cardiovascular disease within six months of study screening
• have had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) within six months of study screening
• have had a sleep disorder within six months of study screening

Alzheimer's in Long-Term Care – Treatment for Agitation
Sponsored by: University of Washington; National Institute on Aging
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00161473
Study phase: Not applicable
Study location: Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
Contact: Beth Hutchings 1.800.317.5382
elizabeth.hutchings@va.gov

Study purpose
This study will assess whether a medication called prazosin can help treat agitated and aggressive behavior in people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Prazosin has shown success in treating post-traumatic stress disorder.

You may qualify if you

• have a diagnosis of probable or possible Alzheimer’s disease

You may not qualify if you

• have low blood pressure
• have behaviors such as agression or lack of cooperation
• have schizophrenia or another psychiatric disorder
• are taking medication for psychiatric disorders
• have cardiovascular disease (such as unstable angina or a recent heart attack)
• have a serious unstable medical condition such as chronic kidney or liver failure

Study Evaluating ACC-001 in Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease Subjects
Sponsored by: Wyeth
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00498602
Study phase: Phase II
Study location(s): 13 study locations in the United States
Contact: Trial manager at clintrialparticipation@wyeth.com

Study purpose
This study will assess the safety and efficacy of ACC-001, a compound that acts as an antibody, in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. ACC-001 may bind to the protein fragment beta-amyloid, a key suspect in Alzheimer’s, and help clear the fragment from the brain.

You may qualify if you

• are 50 to 85 years old
• have mild-to-moderate Alzheimer`s disease

You may not qualify if you

• have a brain disease other than Alzheimer’s
• have a progressive illness in addition to Alzheimer’s disease that might hinder your ability to complete the study

A Study of V950 in People with Alzheimer's Disease
Sponsored by: Merck
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00464334
Study phase: Phase I
Study location(s): 11 study locations in the United States, France and Sweden
Contact: Merck toll-free number 1.800.577.8839

Study purpose
This study will test the safety and efficacy of an investigational vaccine called V950 in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. V950 is designed to lower brain levels of the protein fragment beta-amyloid, a key suspect in Alzheimer’s.

You may qualify if you

• are 55 years old or older
• have mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease
• can no longer become pregnant
• have a reliable caregiver who will participate in the study

You may not qualify if you

• live in a nursing home or assisted living facility
• have a brain disorder other than Alzheimer’s
• have had a stroke
• have a history of drug or alcohol abuse
• have received blood or blood-derived products within six months of study entry

Evaluating Simvastatin’s Potential Role in Therapy (ESPRIT)
Sponsored by: National Institute on Aging; Paul Beeson Faculty Scholars Program; The John A. Hartford Foundation; The Atlantic Philanthropies; Starr Foundation; American Federation for Aging Research; Merck
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00486044
Study phase: Phase II
Study location: University of Wisconsin, Madison
Contact: Hanna Blazel 1.608.256.1901, extension 11692 hmb@medicine.wisc.edu or Tami Markgraf 1.608.256.1901,
extension 12923 tsm@medicine.wisc.edu

Study purpose
This study will assess how simvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug, affects certain substances in the brain, the presence of high amounts of which has been associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease.

You may qualify if you

• are 35 to 69 years old

You will not qualify if you

• do not have at least one parent with Alzheimer’s disease

You may not qualify if you

• are taking cholesterol-lowering medication
• have a history of liver disease
• cannot tolerate statin medications
• have had lumbar spine surgery
• have a history of dementia
• are pregnant
• consume more than one quart of grapefruit juice per day
• have a pacemaker or other objects in the body that prevent you from undergoing brain scans
  

SNIFF 120: Study of Nasal Insulin to Fight Forgetfulness (120 Days)Sponsored by: National Institute on Aging
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00438568
Study phase: Phase II
Study location: Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
Contacts: Donna Davis 1.206.764.2809 mailto:mollyr@u.washington.edu
or Jaime Iliff 1.253.583.2011 Jaime.iliff@med.va.gov

Study purpose
This study will test whether the hormone insulin, when administered as a spray into the nasal passages, improves memory in adults with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, a condition that often precedes Alzheimer’s.

You may qualify if you

• have been diagnosed with either mild cognitive impairment or with Alzheimer's disease
• are in otherwise good physical health
• are taking stable doses of Namenda® or other Alzheimer drugs

You may not qualify if you

• have sinus problems or allergies requiring chronic use of nasal decongestants or antihistamines
• have brain disease other than Alzheimer’s that might affect your cognitive health
• have heart or kidney disease
• have diabetes or are using insulin
• have problems with your liver function or have high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides
• have experienced chronic use of opiates, anti-psychotic medications or drugs to treat anxiety

A Safety and Efficacy Study of Oral Dimebon in Patients with Mild-To-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease (CONNECTION)
Sponsored by: Medivation, Inc.
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00675623
Study phase: Phase III
Study location(s): 25 study locations in the United States
Contact: Lynn Seely, M.D. 1.415.829.4106 lynn.seely@medivation.com or
Fong Wang, M.D., Ph.D. 1.415.543.3470 fong.wang@medivation.com

Study purpose
The CONNECTION study will test whether the drug Dimebon can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s. Dimebon may prevent Alzheimer-related abnormalities in cellular structures called mitochondria. Such abnormalities often lead to the death of brain cells. The researchers will assess Dimebon’s ability to improve thinking, memory and daily function of participants.

You may qualify if you

• are 50 years old or older
• have probable mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease
• have a caregiver who cares for you at least five days per week

You may not qualify if you

• are taking Aricept (donepezil) or Reminyl (galantamine) or Exelon (rivastigmine) or Namenda
• have brain disease other than Alzheimer’s that might cause dementia
• have an unstable medical illness such as liver or kidney disease

A Study of PRX-03140 in Subjects with Alzheimer’s Disease Receiving a Stable Dose of Donepezil
Sponsored by: Epix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00672945
Study phase: Phase II
Study location(s): 31 study locations in the United States
Contact: Julia Kazakin, M.D. 1.781.761.7646 jkazakin@epixpharma.com

Study purpose
This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PRX-03140 in people with Alzheimer’s disease receiving a stable dose of Aricept (donepezil). In an earlier study, PRX-0314 was shown to be well-tolerated in combination with Aricept. Another previous study showed that PRX-0314 resulted in changes in brain wave activity similar to those seen with currently approved drugs for Alzheimer’s.

You may qualify if you

• have a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s
• are between ages 50 and 90
• have a caregiver who can attend all study visits
• have taken a 10 milligrams of Aricept (donepezil) daily for the four months before study enrollment

You may not qualify if you

• have vascular dementia
• have a history of psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• have a history of drug or alcohol abuse
• take Nemenda (memantine) during the two months before study enrollment
• take Razadyne (galantamine) or Exelon (rivastigmine) within four months of study enrollment

Study of PRX-03140 Monotherapy in Subjects with Alzheimer’s Disease
Sponsored by: Epix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00693004
Study phase: Phase II
Study location(s): 27 study locations in the United States
Contact: Julia Kazakin, M.D. 1.781.761.7646 jkazakin@epixpharma.com

Study purpose:
This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PRX-03140 alone (not in combination with other Alzheimer drugs) in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Volunteers will be randomized to receive PRX-03140, Aricept (donepezil), or a placebo for three months. After the study they will have the option of participating in a three-month extension study in which they will receive either PRX-03140 or Aricept. In an earlier study PRX-03140 was shown to be well tolerated. Other studies have shown that PRX-03140 results in changes in brain wave activity similar to those of currently approved Alzheimer’s drugs and that it resulted in memory improvement in patients receiving PRX-03140 alone.

You may qualify if you

• have a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s
• are between ages 50 and 90
• have a caregiver who can attend all study visits

You may not qualify if you

• have vascular dementia
• have a history of psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• have a history of drug or alcohol abuse
• cannot tolerate cholinesterase inhibitors such as Aricept (donepezil), Exelon (rivastigmine) or Razadyne (galantamine)
• take Namenda (memantine) within two months of study enrollment

Biomarker trials recruiting in the United States

(Data are as of August 1, 2008. Only select studies and criteria are given; see ClinicalTrials.gov for complete information.)

Biomarkers and Early Alzheimer's Disease
Sponsored by: National Institute on Aging
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00094952
Study phase: Not applicable
Study location: Center for Brain Health, Silberstein Institute, New York University School of Medicine. New York, New York
Contact: Kenneth E. Rich 1.212.263.7563 kenneth.rich@med.nyu.edu

Study purpose
This project aims to identify cognitively normal older adults who are at increased risk for developing mild cognitive impairment, a condition that often precedes Alzheimer's disease. The researchers will study participants’ brain scans and samples of cerebrospinal fluid—the fluid that surrounds the brain—to search for Alzheimer-related molecules. A second goal of the project is to determine if physical signs of Alzheimer’s are related to changes in cognitive ability.

You may qualify if you

• are between 60 and 80 years old
• have at least a high school education
• are living in the New York City metropolitan area
• are in good mental and physical health

You may not qualify if you

• have had trauma to your brain, a stroke or any other brain disorder
• have a history of alcoholism or drug abuse
• have had heart or blood vessel diseases or risk factors for these diseases, including uncontrolled high blood pressure
• have a pacemaker or other prosthetic device that could be affected by the magnetic field used during imaging procedures
• have a family history of early-onset dementia

BONSAI: Biomarkers of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatories
Sponsored by: National Institute on Aging
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00239746
Study phase: Phase I
Study location: Layton Aging & Alzheimer's Disease Center, Portland, Oregon
Contact(s): Susanne Crane 1.503.494.9399 cranes@ohsu.edu or
Jane Anau 1.206.277.4723 anauj@u.washington.edu

Study purpose
This study will test whether ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug, can regulate levels of dementia-related proteins in blood, urine and the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain. These proteins are associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

You may qualify if you

• are 60 years old or older
• have family members with Alzheimer-like dementia
• are fluent in written and spoken English
• can take Vitamin E, aspirin and gingko biloba extract
• can successfully attend and complete the study

You may not qualify if you

• have a history of peptic ulcer disease
• have high blood pressure, anemia, liver disease or kidney disease
• are taking medications to prevent blood clotting
• are taking corticosteroids
• are taking four or more doses per day of aspirin
• have cognitive impairment or dementia

Memory Imaging of Normal Aging
Sponsored by: National Institute on Aging
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00315575
Study phase: Not applicable
Study location: Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
Contact: Christina Gigliotti 1.858.622.5800 cgigliotti@ucsd.edu

Study purpose
This study will use novel imaging techniques to identify changes in brain function that place people at high risk for dementia. These changes likely occur years before the onset of clinically diagnosed memory problems.

You may qualify if you

• are 25 to 65 years old
• are in general good health with no neurological or psychiatric illnesses
• are right-handed

You may not qualify if you

• have ever had head trauma with cognitive loss
• have a brain disease other than Alzheimer’s
• have schizophrenia or another psychiatric disorder
• have a developmental learning disorder
• have a progressive illness
• have a history of alcohol or substance abuse
• have a pacemaker or other foreign metal object in your body that would interfere with brain scans

Prevention trials recruiting in the United States

(Data are as of August 1, 2008. Only select studies and criteria are given; see ClinicalTrials.gov for complete information.)

Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease by Vitamin E and Selenium (PREADVISE)
Sponsored by: National Institute on Aging; National Cancer Institute
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00040378
Study phase: Phase III
Study location(s): More than 90 study locations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico
Contact: Cecil R. Runyons 1.859.257.1412, extension 235 preadvise@lsv.uky.edu

Study purpose
This study will examine whether taking vitamin E and selenium as nutritional supplements can prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders in healthy older men. The researchers seek men enrolled in the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT), a study testing the ability of selenium and vitamin E to prevent prostate cancer.

You may qualify if you

• are male
• are 60 to 90 years old and of African-American or Hispanic origin or 62 to 90 years old and of another ethnic origin
• are already participating in the SELECT study

You may not qualify if you

• have not participated in the SELECT study
• have Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or any other neurological illness
• have manic-depressive disorder, schizophrenia or other psychiatric illness
• have had a head injury with prolonged loss of consciousness (of over 30 minutes) in the past five years
• have a diagnosis of alcohol or substance abuse
• have used any of the following medications: Aricept®, Cognex®, Exelon®, Reminyl® or Hydergine®
• have blindness, deafness or other disability that may prevent completion of the memory screening

Risk factor trials recruiting in the United States

(Data are as of August 1, 2008. Only select studies and criteria are given; see ClinicalTrials.gov for complete information.)

MIRAGE: Multi-Institutional Research in Alzheimer's Genetic Epidemiology
Sponsored by: National Institute on Aging
ClinicalTrials.gov #: NCT00239759
Study phase: Not applicable
Study location(s): About 15 study locations in the United States, Canada, Germany and Greece
Contact: Michael Wake 1.866.638.5040 mirage@bu.edu

Study purpose
This project aims to evaluate how risk factors for blood vessel disease, including high-blood pressure and certain mutant genes, may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers will compare how these risk factor associations occur in African-Americans, Japanese-Americans and Caucasians.

You may qualify if you

• you have a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, are at least 60 years old and have a living brother or sister who is cognitively normal
• you are the cognitively normal brother or sister of someone with Alzheimer’s disease and you are at least 50 years old

You may not qualify if you

• have had a stroke
• have a pacemaker or other foreign metal object in your body that would interfere with brain scans

Research consent

• Research Consent for Cognitively Impaired Adults
  Recommendations for Institutional Review Boards and Investigators Consensus recommendations.

Other research-related Web sites

• ClinicalTrials.gov
  ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world. ClinicalTrials.gov provides information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations and phone numbers to cal for more trials details.
  

• CenterWatch
  This information resource is maintained by research centers, equipment and service vendors, drug companies, and other interested parties in the clinical trials industry. The site provides a searchable international listing of open trials, a link to studies sponsored by the NIH, a clinical trials notification service, and other resources for patients and professionals.

• SearchClinicalTrials.org
  This site provides a “metasearch” function that searches several clinical trial databases at once to find studies recruiting in a geographic region specified by the user. Hosted by the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing medical research.

• Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR)
  The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center Web site provides current, comprehensive Alzheimer's disease (AD) information and resources from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). It's Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trial Database is a searchable database, jointly hosted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the NIA, provides background information, eligibility criteria, site listings and other details on Alzheimer research studies sponsored by the federal government, private organizations and pharmaceutical companies.