By Tom Mark

Participants Needed For Dementia Drug Study

Jan 29, 2018 | 8:23 AM

A Kelowna-based medical research company is looking for people with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or other type of dementia to take part in a global study.

Patricia Roberts, the study coordinator with Okanagan Clinical Trials, says they’re looking for at least 8 to 10 people who could be at risk but aren’t showing any symptoms.

They’ll first be tested for a specific gene called APOE4.

“Out of about a hundred people, if you had an APOE4 from your mom and dad you would have a 30 to 55 per cent chance to develop Alzheimer’s by the time your 85.”

Roberts says people who are interested in taking part in the study, but don’t know if they have that gene can make an appointment to go in to get tested.

Water Shortage

RDNO wants operators to seek water transfers as some have service shut off

6h ago

Vehicle Disabled, Man Arrested

Spike strip used to stop fleeing vehicle

8h ago

May 2027 Camps

NFL coaches coming to Vernon for Global Gridiron camps

10h ago

“We do specifically test the APOE gene, so we can tell people whether they’re two, three or four and the combination that they are.”

The trial involves two medications being investigated for use in the risk group.

“To see if they can slow the progression or stop the progression to mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s disease.”

One of the drugs would be taken orally while the other would be injected.

More than 1300 people world-wide will take part and it’s a long study according to Roberts.

“Those that participate in the actual research study, the study could be from 5 to 8 years. So, we’re going to be tracking them for quite awhile and looking for symptoms and tracking and seeing how they’re doing on the medications as well.”

Roberts says the study does involve MRI’s and other scans prior to the start of treatment.

Participants are expected to go in four times a year for more imaging and cognitive testing as well as lab work.

Drug company Novartis is sponsoring the study.

You can get more information at www.okanaganclinicaltrials.com.

by Tom Mark