Participating in Alzheimer's Clinical Trials

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and fatal brain disease. More than 5 million Americans now have Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer's gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.

To get more information about clinical trials, please call (623) 832-6500.

Ongoing clinical trials:

• HBA Study
• Alzheimer's Disease Study
• Vaccine Trial
• Alzheimer's Medication
• Alzheimer's Study of ABT-089
• Dimebon

HBA Study
The goal of the Home Based Assessment study is to explore the most effective, efficient and economical methods for conducting Alzheimer's disease prevention trials. This study will comprise males and females, 75 years of age or older, with no history of dementia, who live within 15 miles of Sun City. An emphasis has been placed on minority participation.

Alzheimer's Disease Study
This is a two year, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group evaluation of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a new therapy in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

The purpose of this study is to support the optimal use of the new therapy. Participants will receive one of two doses of new therapy for the duration of this study. Participants will receive physical exams, blood tests, cognitive assessments, study medication, and ECG at no cost.

Vaccine Trial
Participants in this study will be people between the ages of 50 and 85 years of age with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Each participant must have a primary caregiver who is willing to accompany the participant to all study visits. Study participants will receive the vaccine by injection five times within a 52-week dosing period. Four groups of participants will be enrolled to test various doses of the vaccine. The study also includes a 52-week observation or follow-up period to assess the effects of the vaccine after the last dose of the vaccine is given.

Alzheimer's Medication
This study is being conducted to examine the safety and tolerability of higher dosage forms of an FDA - approved medication for Alzheimer's. Participants should be 50 to 85 years. Participants with significant cardiovascular disease or breathing problems are not eligible for this study. The study will last approximately 13 visits during a two-year period. Caregivers or study partners are required to attend all visits. The participant will be compensated for time and travel to all study visits.

Alzheimer's Study of ABT-089
This study seeks to determine whether this investigational medication is beneficial for improving memory, cognition and daily functioning. Qualified participants will take ABT-089 or placebo along with their other medications during this study. Six different doses of this oral medication will be compared to placebo. Participants must be 55-90 years and be in good general health. Participants currently taking Namenda will be excluded. The length of study is nine to 14 visits during a 16-week period, and a caregiver or study partner is required to attend all visits. Participants will be reimbursed for time and travel for completed visits.

Dimebon
Dimebon is an oral medication being tested as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Results from a one-year study of Dimebon in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease - showing statistically significant improvements in memory, thinking, function and behavior.

Participants in this study must:

• Have Alzheimer's disease.
• Have been taking donepezil (Aricept®) for at least 60 days.
• Have a caregiver who can come with you to doctor visits.