As viewed in New Zealand's Women's Weekly - May Issue 2010.
New Clinical Trial for Alzheimer's Investigational Drug in New Zealand
New Zealand is taking part in the Concert Study, a global clinical research study with the goal of determining whether the investigational drug dimebon (latrepirdine) improves cognition (thinking and awareness), memory, daily functioning, behaviour, and the ability to care for oneself in patients with Alzheimer’s disease who are already taking Aricept® (also known as donepezil HCl tablets).
Trial sites are at the CGM Research Trust at The Princess Margaret Hospital in Christchurch, and The Memory Clinic, Auckland.
Dr Philip Wood, one of New Zealand's leading experts in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Director of The Memory Clinic, says there is no known cure for AD, however dimebon is one of several hopes for treating the symptoms of the disease and it is important to participate in clinical research.
Dr Philip Wood,
Director, The Memory Clinic,
North Shore City, Auckland.
Dr Philip Wood,Director, The Memory Clinic,
North Shore City, Auckland.
“To be eligible, patients need to be diagnosed with the disease [brain scan] and have an assessed score that falls into a prescribed range for thinking and memory. They also need to be currently taking Aricept® (donepezil HCI tablets).”
“The study runs for 12 months and during that time, carers will need to accompany patients on regular assessment visits,” said Dr Wood.
Aricept® is a registered trademark of Eisai Co., Ltd.
Study has been approved by the Multi-Region Ethics Committee. Ref. No: MEC/09/04/039
Study has been approved by the Multi-Region Ethics Committee. Ref. No: MEC/09/04/039
While the cause of the disease is not known, top risk factors include age and family history and lifestyle issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Please Call Toll Free
0800 222 337
To Find Out More.
0800 222 337
To Find Out More.
