According to the Alzheimer’s Society there are approximately 900,000 people with dementia in the UK. This figure is set to rise and this year alone 209,600 people will develop dementia, that’s one every three minutes.
For those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, many will then be prescribed specific medication as part of their treatment for the disease.
ARICEPT and MEMANTINE.
The most commonly prescribed medications are ARICEPT and MEMANTINE. Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) and Namenda (memantine hydrochloride) are used to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate dementia. Access to these medications today is only possible because of previous volunteers who have taken part in research studies to investigate the efficacy and safety of these drugs and their ability to provide the most benefit based on the available evidence.
There are three primary phases of the approval process of new medications: pre-clinical trials, clinical trials, and new drug application review. As one of the leading centres in Europe developing new treatments for Memory Impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia, Glasgow Memory Clinic is the only centre in Scotland which has conducted research on all of the currently licensed treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
Who can take part in a clinical trial?
Whilst there is currently no cure yet, we are dedicated to improving the early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Volunteers are key to that journey and for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and prescribed these medications, the treatment doesn’t have to end there. It’s a common misconception that anyone prescribed existing medications cannot participate in a research study , however many studies are actually designed to accommodate this. Volunteers do not have to stop existing Alzheimer’s treatment, there is always more to explore.
Research can be part of your treatment.
By participating in clinical research, you can not only gain a greater understanding of your condition but also potentially learn about and be one of the first people to receive a new treatment.
If you or someone you know has been prescribed either of these medications, we have a number of studies running at our clinic for those who have Alzheimer’s and are currently on treatment. To learn more about opportunities please complete our short pre-screening questionnaire if you are interested in being screened for one of our studies, or call us on 0141 948 0206 if you would prefer to speak to a member of our patient liaison team.