Clinical Trials
We currently have trials available for both persons with AD and for those who are unaffected but want to contribute to AD research. If you are interested in participating in any of the studies below or would simply like to be on a list for future studies which may arise, please contact
Visit the ADEAR web site for a comprehensive description of these and other clinical trials.
Currently Enrolling
Efficacy of Dimebon on Cognition
Investigator-Clinical Trials
We are conducting a 12 month, Phase 3 clinical research study in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients to evaluate the efficacy of Dimebon, in comparison to placebo; on cognition and memory, global function, behavior, and quality of life. Dimebon is an orally-available investigational product that has been shown to inhibit brain cell death related to Alzheimer’s disease. In the phase 1 and 2 trials, patients with mild-to-moderate AD experienced statistically significant improvement, compared to placebo, in key aspects of disease: memory and thinking, activities of daily living, behavior and overall function. At the end of the 12 month trial, Dimbeon-treated patients preserved their starting level of function on each measure of Alzheimer’s disease. Patients must meet the eligibility criteria listed below to participate in the study.
Eligibility Criteria:- Age 50 or older
- Diagnosis of Probable AD
- MMSE between 12 and 24 inclusive
- Taking donepezil (Aricept) for more than 6 months, with stable dosing at 10mg QD for more than 4 months
- Have a caregiver that assists them at least 5 days per week for at least 3 hours
Efficacy and Safety Trial of Bapineuzumab
The purpose of this study is to assess whether bapineuzumab is safe, well tolerated and effective for use in subjects with Alzheimer's disease. Bapineuzumab is an antibody (a type of protein usually produced by white blood cells to destroy other substances in the body). In Alzheimer's disease a protein called amyloid gathers in the brain and is thought to cause symptoms like memory loss and confusion. It is hoped that bapineuzumab will attach to the amyloid protein in your brain and help your body to remove it.Eligibility Criteria
- Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
- Between 50 and 89 years old
- A study partner or caregiver who is willing to attend all study visits with you and fill out some questionnaires.
- Visit the clinic for treatment and tests approximately 15 times over the course of approximately 18 months
- Able to undergo MRI.
Closed to Enrollment
Effect of y-Secretase Inhibition on the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease
The study drug has a novel mechanism of action as a functional inhibitor of gama-secretase with the ability to inhibit the synthesis of amyloid-beta potentially slowing the underlying rate of disease progression. The primary objective of this study is o test the hypothesis that the study drug given orally will slow decline of AD as compared to placebo.Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE)
Substantial data suggest that AD is caused by amyloid plaque deposits and tangles in the brain. These plaques and tangles lead to cognitive decline, memory loss and behavioral changes. Many proteins surround the amyloid plaques in AD patients. One of the proteins, called RAGE for short, binds to amyloid and may help to promote inflammation and lead to damage to nerve cells. Researchers found that by inhibiting the RAGE protein, plaque formation could be reduced in animal models. The experimental drug was developed as a RAGE inhibitor. This is a novel pathway for trying to treat AD.Home-Based Assessment Study
The Home-Based Assessment Study will evaluate these three in-home types of information gathering and determine how practical each method is. Second, it will find out if these three methods of gathering information can detect a change and a rate of change in both the volunteers’ daily living activities and their functional capabilities over time. The final analysis will compare these methods to the traditional way of collecting information in a clinic setting.Trial of the Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) in Slowing the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease
The purpose of this study is to see if chronic use of DHA is able to change the progression of Alzheimer's disease. DHA is a fatty acid that is essential for normal brain and eye development. It is normally found in the diet, but not in large amounts. In this study is to see if chronic use of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is able to change the progression of Alzheimer's disease.Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
In this study we hope to learn more about the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and biomarker tests, together with measurements of memory, thinking and daily functioning, in the future conduct of studies that will focus on the identification and treatment of Alzheimer's disease at an early stage.ELAN Open-Label Extension
We hope to learn more about AAB-001. AAB-001 is an antibody- a type of protein usually produced by white blood cells to destroy other substances in the body. In Alzheimer's disease a protein called amyloid gathers in the brain and is thought to cause symptoms like memory loss and confusion. It is hoped that AAB-001 will bind to the amyloid protein in your brain and help your body to remove it.CENTER CONTACTS FOR RESEARCH SUPPORT
Principal Investigator:
Charles DeCarli, M.D.
Telephone: (916) 734-6280
email: charles.decarli@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
Research Coordinators:
For Martinez and Oakland:
Katharine Vieira RN, Clinical Nurse & Research Coordinator
email: kevieira@ucdavis.edu
For Sacramento and San Joaquin:
Esther Lara, M.S.W., Research Coordinator (Se habla Español)
(916) 734-5496
email: ellara@ucdavis.edu
Clinical Trials Coordinator: Sacramento
Cassandra Conover, RN
916-734-6750
casandra.conover@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
In Sacramento, Clinical trial visits, of the most part, are held on Fridays and last 15 minutes for a screening to 6 hours for imaging studies.
Adi Rabb Kondonijakos, MA
925-372-2464
arabb@ucdavis.edu
In Martinez, Clinical trial visits are held Monday - Friday and last 15 minutes for a screening to 6 hours for imaging studies.