Alzheimer's Clinical Trials | Sign Up Today

Home » Discover Our Mental Healthcare Services » Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials

New Treatments for Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s disease

According to the Alzheimer’s Society over 1 million people in the UK will have a diagnosis of dementia by 2025. By 2051 this number will exceed 2 million. Worldwide it’s estimated that 82 million people will be suffering from dementia by 2030.

Finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease

Led by Dr Emer MacSweeney, an international expert in the field of Alzheimer’s research, we are passionate about finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Our team of cognitive specialists offer trailblazing volunteers the opportunity to access new drugs designed to prevent the progression of memory impairment. Read the FAQ section at the bottom of this page to discover more about volunteering for a clinical trial.

Select one of the following options or call 08082502781 to sign-up

I/they have a diagnosis of memory problems

I/they don’t have memory problems

One Clinical Trial, One Life-Changing Opportunity

Because the death of brain cells in Alzheimer’s is currently unstoppable, the only medications available to be prescribed are ‘symptomatic’. These medications manage only the symptoms of dementia, as opposed to delaying its progression.

Symptomatic drugs work to help the dying brain cells function better but, as the disease progresses, more and more brain cells die, leading to a greater decline in cognitive functioning.

Dr Emer MacSweeney, Medical Director of Re:Cognition Health talks clinical trials with Primal Cure

New Alzheimer’s disease treatments

The fight against Alzheimer’s disease is spearheaded by international clinical trials that provide hope through early access to ‘disease-modifying’ Alzheimer’s treatments.

These drugs aim to keep the brain cells alive in order to reduce the progression of memory impairment. There are lots of studies open across the world investigating the effectiveness of new medications. To find out which study might be right for you, or somebody you know, speak to a specialist today

Disease-modifying treatments work to reduce the levels of B amyloid & Tau Protein in the brain and to alter genetic and inflammatory markers. They are believed to be much more effective than the current medications and are available as part of the clinical trials at our clinics.

About new Alzheimer’s treatments

How to join a clinical trial

Common signs of memory loss

An individual contribution with a phenomenal global impact

Without inspirational people taking part in Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss trials, new medications cannot be licensed for global use. This is because the sponsor needs to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the medication. Even paracetamol went through a clinical trial at one stage!

We don’t run phase 1 trials at our clinics and the study medication has been given to humans in previous studies.

Potential benefits of joining a clinical trial

Study volunteers get early access to new treatments for memory loss and are monitored closely throughout the trial
Outstanding medical care is provided at no cost, including comprehensive health screens, MRI scans and PET scans
The chance to avoid lengthy NHS waiting lists and access specialist private healthcare
Travel expenses are reimbursed for each visit and complimentary refreshments are available
Volunteers have the opportunity to help develop dementia syndrome and memory loss treatments for future generations

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) Will I be paid?

A) Volunteers are not paid for taking part in this Alzheimer’s research. However, the sponsor will reimburse reasonable travel expenses for you and your study partner for each visit. To give you an example, for most of our current trials, the reimbursement is up to £60 for the volunteer and £60 for the study partner for each visit.

Q) How often are the visits?

A) This depends on the research study you participate in. The screening period of the study is generally when the visits are most frequent. This is when all the initial investigations are carried out to confirm whether a volunteer is eligible for a study. During the treatment stage of the study, the visits will be less frequent. Some studies require a clinic visit once a month whereas others have visits every six 6 weeks. If you do enrol onto a study, we’ll be able to give you all of your appointments in advance.

Q) Can I leave the trial before it finishes?

A) Absolutely. Leaving a study will in no way affect your medical or legal rights. It’s not necessary to give us a reason as to why you want to leave, although we always value any feedback from you. If you choose to leave after you have started taking the study drug, then we are obliged to offer you a final visit, to carry out final medical investigations to ensure your safety,

Q) I have vascular dementia, can I take part?

A) Unfortunately all of the current studies are for Alzheimer’s Disease. However, we are always activating new Alzheimer’s research studies so please make sure to connect with our team using the contact form so we can keep you updated.

Q) Will I get my results?

A) Yes. You will be informed of all of you results and your GP will also be made aware of any significant results. Volunteers receive comprehensive medical care in the study so you can be assured that your health will be closely monitored. These include a medical examination, blood pressure reading, urine tests, ECG, MRI head scan, a PET scan or lumbar puncture. Our team are very experienced and are always available to discuss your participation with you.

Q) Will I have to take a trial drug?

A) Yes. If you are found to be eligible for one of the clinical trials, then you can consent to be assigned to a treatment group. Depending on the trial, the trial medication can be in the form of a tablet taken orally once a day or an intravenous infusion once a month.

Q) Will I know what I am taking?

A) No. You will not know whether you are taking the active study drug or a placebo. A placebo is a dummy pill and doesn’t contain any active drug. You will be randomly assigned into one of the study groups and you and your study team will not know which group you are in. This is called a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.

Q) What if I am on placebo?

A) There is a chance that you are in the placebo group, the probability of that will depend on the trial. It may be anywhere between 1:2 to 1:3. Whichever group you are in, you will still benefit from the ongoing medical care and psychometric testing that you will receive as part of the trial. At the end of the trial period, most trials offer the opportunity for you to enter the open label extension. This is when you continue in the trial but on the active drug despite whichever group (ie. Placebo or active drug) group you were in before. The open label extension is un-blinded, so you will know you are on the active drug.

Q) Are there any side effects?

A) Any potential side effects will be listed in the patient information sheets that are sent to you prior to your initial consultation. Most of the side effects are non-specific but some trials have specific side effects that your study doctor will discuss with you. We will work closely with you and your GP to ensure your safety at all times.

Q) What is a study partner and why do I need one?

A) A study partner is someone who can accompany the participant to some study visits and answer questions about their symptoms. They should be someone who sees the volunteer regularly e.g. a spouse, relative or close friend as they will need to let us know about any potential changes in the volunteer’s health or behaviour. The number of visits they need to attend depends on each study.

Q) Do I need to tell my GP?

A) Yes and no. It is good practice to let your GP know but it is not necessary to inform your GP before your screening visit. If you are found to be eligible for the study at the screening visit, we will inform your GP and obtain a medical summary letter from your GP with your consent. We can also write to other doctors involved in your care should you wish.

Q) Where can I take part?

A) Re:Cognition Health has clinics across the UK in London, Guildford, Plymouth and Birmingham. We’ve also just opened our first clinic in the USA! You can learn more about us here

Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials