Clinical trial examines protein’s role in Alzheimer’s

UNMC is one of 20 sites across the country participating in a clinical research trial to determine whether an investigational medication reduces the amount of amyloid in the brain of those with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

William Burke, M.D.

Amyloid is a protein that gathers in the brain and is thought to cause symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease such as memory loss and confusion.

“It appears that people who have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and have amyloid visualized in their brain by PET scan are at highest risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease,” said William Burke, M.D., A.O. Stake Professor of Psychiatry at UNMC.

Study facts

UNMC will enroll at least five people who have subjective memory problems, but who do not yet have a dementia diagnosis. Each study participant will undergo MRI and PET brain scans to determine if amyloid has accumulated.

If determined eligible for study participation, the participant will begin a series of injections proposed to activate the immune system to remove or reduce the amount of brain amyloid. Subsequent brain scans will measure the amount of amyloid in the brain.

Requirements

Eligible participants must be at least 50 years old, have subjective memory problems and be in good general health. There is no cost for participation.

To learn more, call Barb Bayer, Dan Murman, M.D., or Dr. Burke at 402-552-6005.