Research study (SCarlet RoAD) opens to test an investigational medication for the treatment of prodromal Alzheimer’s disease
On 20 January 2012 the OPTIMA Project (Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing: Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford) based at the John Radcliffe Hospital, started recruiting for the SCarlet RoAD study, a research study of an investigational medication for the treatment of prodromal Alzheimer’s disease (prodromal AD).
Prodromal AD is a condition in which a person’s memory loss is worse than can be expected by the normal ageing process alone, even though their ability to get on with daily activities is not affected to such an extent that they would be diagnosed with dementia. In the past people with prodromal AD would have been considered to be showing symptoms of old age or would have been given a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but prodromal AD is now becoming recognised as a distinct sub-group of MCI.
The symptoms of prodromal AD can include a person’s inability to recall events in his/her recent past. The presence of certain biomarkers in the brain can also be an indicator of the disease. Biomarkers are measurable characteristics that can be an indicator of disease processes or response to therapy. People with prodromal AD may be more likely to develop dementia than people with other forms of memory loss or MCI. This study will assess whether an investigational medication can help slow down memory loss or alter the levels of biomarkers associated with prodromal AD.
The SCarlet RoAD study is an international study taking place in approximately 100 centres in about 15 countries with approximately 360 people required to participate. The OPTIMA Project in Oxford is looking for people who are experiencing this type of memory loss, to take part in the study.
“Research studies are extremely important in the development of new treatments for diseases, and ultimately these new treatments could contribute to the wellbeing of individuals and their families”, said Gordon Wilcock, Professor of Clinical Geratology and Clinical Director of OPTIMA, University of Oxford. He continued: “We are very pleased that OPTIMA is part of the Scarlet RoAD study, as we are hoping that findings from the study will progress the understanding and hopefully the treatment of prodromal Alzheimer’s disease.”
Recruitment to the study is being supported by the Thames Valley DeNDRoN network, and health and research professionals from both Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
The study investigators are looking for study participants who:
* are aged between 50 and 85 years and have noticed (and someone else has noticed) a gradual decline in memory over the last 12 months
* are not currently taking any medications for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
* have a friend or relative who is able to say how they are managing with daily activities and who is willing to provide information at clinic visits when appropriate
* are interested in participating in a study that lasts for two years and five months and which will involve visits to a clinic at least once every month throughout this period.
Those who believe they may be eligible to participate, or who know someone who may be eligible, should visit the website: www.scarletroadstudy.com or call 0808 189 1497 for more information and support.