Northwestern to Study New Alzheimer's Disease Drug

Northwestern University researchers will explore the effects of a new drug for Alzheimer's via the T2 Protect AD study, reports WTTW . "We're looking for people who have mild- to moderate-stage Alzheimer's disease," says Northwestern's Ian Grant. "Basically, these are people who need a moderate amount of assistance at home in terms of helping care for themselves." The goal of the clinical trial is to assess the drug troriluzole's effect in protecting against, slowing, and potentially improving memory and cognitive problems associated with the progression of Alzheimer's. Half of the 300 study participants will be administered troriluzole, while the others will get a placebo. Grant says the team hopes the drug will enhance signaling among neurons that are impaired by Alzheimer's. The yearlong study is being conducted at more than 35 sites across the United States, at academic medical centers and clinics that specialize in Alzheimer's research, treatment, and care.