ALZHEIMERS TRIALS AT BNI

JOIN ONE OF OUR 2 CLINICAL STUDIES:

"Clinical studies at Barrow Neurological Institute" by Patricio F. Reyes, MD

During the past few months the Alzheimer’s disease and Cognitive Division at Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) has established programs to address some of the scientific, medical, and psycho-social issues related to AD and associated disorders. These programs include clinical trials, the use of newer diagnostic protocols to distinguish AD from other conditions, and experiments to verify the type and extent of brain damage that may explain the bases of cognitive decline and behavioral changes in other neurologic conditions such as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), Parkinson’s disease, strokes and multiple sclerosis. A dedicated laboratory for animal and human experiments will be expected to complement our clinical activities.

Clinical trials are studies designed to determine the safety as well as efficacy of new treatment strategies such as new medications, modifications of older treatment modalities, surgical intervention like shunting excess brain fluid or combination of medical and surgical measures. Such trials are FDA approved and developed on the basis of known experimental and/or clinical observations.

At present there are two clinical trials that are being conducted at BNI. Participation in both programs is free and voluntary.

TRIAL #1...........................
The first will compare the tolerability and efficacy of transdermal patch that contains Rivastigmine, a central acting acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor versus the capsule form of the same drug. The drug, designed to increase the amount of acetylcholine, a neutrotransmitter believed to be important in memory related processes, was approved by the FDA in 2000 for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer type. Previous small trials have demonstrated that Rivastigmine skin patch can deliver more medication and improve clinical response to treatment with less side effects. Giving the drug through the skin can help bypass the liver and reduce complications. It is our hope that the results of our multi-center study will to a more effective and safer medication.

TRIAL #2...........................
Another clinical trial involves the combination of a novel neuroprotective agent, produced by activated astrocytes, and one of the central acting cholinesterase inhibitors such as Donepezil and Rivastigmine. Experimental evidence indicates that such a drug can protect brain cells or neurons by preventing certain processes that lead to degeneration and death of cells. Since AD is a neurodegenerative condition that involves complex pathological mechanisms, it is believed that effective therapies in the future will consist of combining various medications to retard if not prevent different means of brain damage.

For additional information please call Michele Grigaitis, NP and clinical coordinator, at 602 406-3969.

posted by MSnewsChanel.com.com # 3:56 AM

Wednesday

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