The Next Step in Beating Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease slowly erodes the ability to access memories and cognitive functions. Eventually, those inflicted require care and assistance with regular activities of daily living and previously simple tasks become impossible to complete. For those diagnosed with the disease, memories, problem solving and the ability to find their way even in familiar neighbourhoods slowly declines. Loved ones and caregivers who passionately care for these individuals have no choice but to watch their loved one slowly fade away.

In Canada, there are 750,000 people who are living with Alzheimer’s disease. That’s over 15% of people over 65. By 2030, experts calculate that number to reach 1.5 million. The cost of treating Alzheimer’s disease either directly through the medical industry or indirectly through lost earnings is in excess of 33 billion dollars. If we continue the current course that number will balloon to 295 billion dollars by 2040. If no solution to reverse or eliminate the disease is discovered it will bankrupt the entire medical industry and possibly the global economy.

Today, there is no cure and there is no treatment to slow its progress. Available medications today can only give those with the disease temporary relief from symptoms they experience. However researchers are working towards finding new treatment options. Instrumental in that process are people who are willing to volunteer to make a difference.

One option for Alzheimer’s disease is a new medication which when taken with donepezil (Aricept®), the most widely used Alzheimer’s disease medication, has shown impressive results in initial clinical tests with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. They are now moving into a Phase III clinical research study called MINDSET and are looking for volunteers. The volunteers must be between 50 and 85 and already experiencing problems with memory loss or have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. They must also be accompanied by a loved one or caregiver so questions can be asked regarding how the participant is feeling and functioning.

This study is occurring in 22 countries. In Canada, it is being conducted in Kelowna, British Columbia by Dr. Paul Latimer of Okanagan Clinical Trials. Additional Canadian locations are found in the Greater Toronto area and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

Paul Latimer has over 35 years experience in clinical practice, research and administration. After obtaining his medical degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, he did psychiatric training at Queen’s, Oxford and Temple Universities. After his residency he did a doctorate in medical science at McMaster University where he was also a Medical Research Council of Canada Scholar. Since 1983 he has been practicing psychiatry in Kelowna, BC where he has held many administrative positions and has done numerous clinical trials. He has published many scientific papers and one book on the psychophysiology of the functional bowel disorders. His clinic, Okanagan Clinical Trials, opened in 1992 and their goal is to provide a positive experience for their many patients by making sure the facility is comfortable and welcoming. They aim to achieve excellence in both the conduct of the clinical trials and the care of their patients.

To enroll as a participant in this clinical study, you need to register for pre-screening. Information on how to do that can be found at the end of this article. Once accepted you will need to attend a screening visit to determine your eligibility. The length of the study is 33 weeks and consist of approximately 8 visits to assess health and study medication effects. You will also need to take donepezil throughout the course of the study and RVT-101 or placebo for up to 24 weeks. During the course of the study your caregiver will be asked questions on how the study participant is feeling and functioning. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to participate in a year long extension study while taking RVT-101.

In return the participant will receive study-related monitoring from study physicians, all related tests, exams, donepezil at no cost and the opportunity to receive the investigational medication.

If you are interested or are a loved one of someone who might qualify who lives in the Kelowna area including the greater Okanagan Valley there is a pre-screening test available – click here.

Or you can call 1-888-896-3621.

You can also discover more about the MINDSET Program at this link.

ARICEPT® is a registered trademark used by Eisai Inc. under license from Eisai R&D Management Co., Ltd