Alzheimer’s patients needed for clinical trial

Spokane patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease can enter a second-phase clinical trial using a new drug treatment showing potential to slow progression of early-stages, said Neurim Pharmaceuticals.

Study participants ages 60 to 85 with mild dementia are needed in Spokane at Premier Clinical Research Center, 324 S. Sherman St. Participants must commit to 26 weeks of the study.

Patients and caregivers can learn if they’re eligible for the study online at www.recognitionstudy.com, or get more information by calling (855) 867-5577. The sign-up process has started under an open enrollment for the next six months.

Nationwide, Neurim Pharmaceuticals is seeking up to 500 people for this portion of the clinical trial, named ReCognition. It was designed after early studies indicated the investigation drug Piromelatin works on the connection between poor sleep and a worsening condition in Alzheimer’s.

Initially developed as a sleep aid, Piromelatine is being studied to review its effectiveness in improving cognitive function and slowing cognitive decline through the promotion of better sleep.

Recent developments in Alzheimer’s disease research recognizes the role of deep sleep in clearing excessive beta-amyloid from the brain. Beta-amyloid clusters form “sticky” toxic protein plaques that develop in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Researchers see a growing body of evidence linking compromised sleep with these plaques and with cognitive decline.