Our research – we want to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease

Glasgow Memory Clinic is currently working on a new generation of treatments for Memory impairment, Prodromal Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.

We are the only centre in Scotland that has conducted research on all of the currently licensed treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. They are known as Aricept (donepezil), Exelon (Rivastigmine), Reminyl, (Galantamine) and Ebixa, (Memantine). We are also the only centre in Scotland with expertise in the field of Alzheimer’s vaccine research and we started this work in 2007.

Current Studies at Glasgow Memory Clinic

We have four studies running at the clinic for both healthy volunteers and for those with a wide spectrum of memory problems to take part in. The current studies are:

Early Clinical Trial

You may be able to take part in this trial if you are aged between 60 to 85 years old. If you are aged 60 to 64 years, you will need to have at least one of the following:

• a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s disease
• been told you are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (that you have the APOE ε4 gene or a proven build-up of amyloid in your brain).
• have normal memory and thinking abilities
• have a close friend, relative, or spouse who can come to some trial visits with you.

The AMARANTH Study

This study will examine an investigational drug that may have some effect on the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The purpose of the study is to find out whether this investigational drug can influence the decline in memory and mental functioning. To join this study, you must be between 55 and 85 years old and

Have either:

• experienced gradual and progressive change in memory function over more than 6 months (the study team will assess whether this is due to Alzheimer’s disease)
• or been diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment
• have a friend, relative or carer who would be willing to be your study partner throughout the study.

Engage

The Engage Study is a global clinical research study assessing the efficacy and safety of an investigational medication, to determine whether it can slow the progression of symptoms in early Alzheimer’s disease. There are currently no approved treatments that delay memory loss and progression of disability in Alzheimer’s disease.

You may be able to take part in the ENGAGE Study if you:

• are between 50–85 years old
• are experiencing symptoms that might be related to early

Alzheimer’s disease, such as problems with memory or thinking clearly

• have someone who can be your study partner to accompany you to certain appointments and provide information about your health.

DAYBREAK-ALZ Study

The DAYBREAK-ALZ Study is a clinical research study in mild Alzheimer’s disease. The study will examine an oral investigational medication that may have some effect on the

brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The study is designed to find out

whether this investigational medication (or” study medication”) can slow down the

decline in memory and mental functioning. The DAYBREAK-ALZ study will include approximately 1,900 participants from around the globe.

To join the study you must:

• be between 55 and 85 years old
• have experienced a gradual loss of memory over the last 6 months (the study team will assess whether this is due to Alzheimer’s disease)

OR

• have been diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s disease
• have a close friend, relative or partner who would be willing to be your study partner throughout the study

The benefits of participating in research

Taking part in research is entirely voluntary and it is up to you to decide if you wish to participate. It is now generally accepted that people who do come forward and participate in research have better overall outcomes.

The reasons for this are thought to be the extensive tests, medical care and attention that people receive when taking part in a research programme. We have a dedicated team of research doctors and nurses and our experience is that taking part in research is a positive thing to do.

Facilities at the clinic

As well as being a state of the art facility, the clinic provides a very welcoming and comfortable space. There are a number of break-out areas, free Wi-fi plus complimentary refreshments are on offer all day in the café. Making volunteers and members of their family feel relaxed and at ease is of the utmost importance.

Volunteers receive all medical care, attention and treatment completely free of charge. You will also be reimbursed for any travel expenses to and from the clinic.

Perhaps you have been considering taking part in a study for a while or maybe you would like to find out more information for a relative. If you would like to get in touch with Glasgow Memory Clinic, click here.