UCLA study seeks adults with memory-loss complaints

The drug Aricept delayed patients’ progression to Alzheimer’s disease by a year, according to an April study in the New England Journal of Medicine. This is one of the first studies suggesting that this drug may prove effective in delaying Alzheimer’s disease, but more research needs to be completed.

UCLA is part of a National Institute of Aging study that will further assess Aricept’s role.

UCLA researchers seek healthy adults 40 to 90 years old for a study evaluating the effectiveness of Aricept compared with a placebo in helping to delay age-related memory loss. Investigators also will study the genetics of memory loss.

“Currently, Aricept is a first-line therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. We hope the drug will also prove helpful in delaying early age-related memory loss in patients,” said Dr.

Gary Small, principal investigator, Parlow-Solomon Professor on Aging and a psychiatrist with the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute.

“We also plan to study the genetic component of age-related memory loss to see if that may point to new avenues of treatment.” To participate in the 18-month study, adults must have memory loss complaints. An initial screening will involve a physical exam, electrocardiogram and blood tests — including an optional blood test to analyze the presence of a gene that may be related to Alzheimer’s disease.

At the beginning and end of the study, participants will receive a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Brain Scan (MRI), a Positron Emission Tomography Brain Scan (PET) and neuropsychological testing to evaluate ability to concentrate, think and remember.

Next, volunteers will be randomly assigned (similar to the flipping of a coin) to one of two groups:

One group will receive a 5 mg daily dose of Aricept, which will increase to 10 mg after six weeks; the other group will receive a placebo.

The most frequent side effects of Aricept include nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue and decreased appetite.

Volunteers will receive up to $275 for participation in the study.

For more information, please call the UCLA Aging and Memory Research Center at (310) 206-7392.