The study will focus on the hypertension drug Nilvadipine, which has been found to decrease levels of amyloid in the brain. It is the presence of amyloid in the brain that is believed to cause the onset of Alzheimer’s. The drug was also found to increase the flow of blood to the brain, which is believed to be beneficial in the treatment of the disease.
If the trial is successful the treatment could change the direction of other studies of dementia.
The clinical study itself will be conducted in Ireland at Trinity College and several supporting studies will be conducted in Florida.
“As scientists, we are always cautious when testing new drug therapies and are careful not to unrealistically raise expectations and hopes too high. The road to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease is a long one, but it is our hope that the research gained through this study will put us one step closer to that ultimate goal,” stated Dr Michael Mullan, Roskamp Institute’s executive director.
The Roskamp Institute is focused on understanding causes of and finding cures for diseases of the mind such as neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders and addictions.