New Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trial Enrolling Boston Area Patients

There is a new study evaluating benfotiamine, a synthetic version of thiamine or vitamin B1, as a treatment for people with early Alzheimer's disease. MedVadis Research, located in Waltham, is currently looking to enroll patients in this trial who are aged 50-89 and are experiencing mild memory concerns or previously diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s disease.

For people with Alzheimer's disease, going about daily activities can be challenging. The good news is the Alzheimer’s Association says this is a time of great promise in Alzheimer’s research with increased government and philanthropic funding and a growing community of scientists – all of which are instrumental to finding new treatments to stop, slow and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.[i]

A serious neurological disorder

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia and develops when nerve cells in the brain no longer function normally. The disease causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior, with symptoms usually developing slowly and getting worse over time. Its prevalence is widespread: affecting more than six million individuals, with that number expected to double by 2050.[ii]

As researchers delve deeper into the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, they are uncovering alarming disparities in its impact across different racial and ethnic groups. Hispanic and Black communities experience a disproportionate burden of the disease. In fact, studies have shown that older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's compared to older non-Hispanic White Americans,[iii] while older Hispanic Americans are one and a half times more likely.[iv]

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition that profoundly impacts patients, families and caregivers, leading to a significant decline in quality of life. Moreover, racial disparities in Alzheimer's highlight the need for more accessible treatment options, as minority communities often face higher risks and barriers to care.

The need for new treatments

The need for new treatments in the fight against Alzheimer's disease is urgent, as Alzheimer's disease is currently recognized as the fifth leading cause of death in the US.[v] Currently approved treatments have, at best, a small impact on cognitive decline, benefit only a subset of patients and can be difficult to access and afford. Research is needed to identify new therapies that have the potential to alter the disease's trajectory, therefore improving the quality of life for those with the disease and their families.

New clinical trial now enrolling

The BenfoTeam trial is funded by a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and being coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) at University of California San Diego School of Medicine. The trial is evaluating whether the benfotiamine can slow or halt the decline of memory and thinking problems in mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease.

The clinical trial is currently enrolling patients at sites across the United States. Locally, the trial is being conducted at MedVadis Research, located in Waltham. If you have Alzheimer’s disease, or know of a family member or friend struggling with the disease, learn more about the potential benefits of the clinical trial by visiting BenfoTeam.org or calling 781-373-2940.

Eligibility criteria for participating in the trial includes those who are:

• Aged 50-89
• Experiencing mild memory concerns or previously diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s disease
• Positive Alzheimer’s disease blood test
• Stable on current FDA-approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (with or without memantine) for at least three months prior to screening
• Living in the community (not in a long-term care nursing facility)
• Willing to participate in the BenfoTeam study for up to 18 months (plus screening)

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[i] Alzheimer’s Association. Research and Progress. Accessed June 12, 2024. Available at
https://www.alz.org/research/research_progress.
[ii] Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Facts and Figures Report. [iii] Black Americans and Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer's Association. Accessed May 8, 2024.
https://www.alz.org/help-suppo...
[iv] Hispanic Americans and Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer's Association. Accessed May 8, 2024. https://www.alz.org/help-suppo...
[v] Alzheimer’s Association. 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Accessed on June 11, 2024. Available at https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf.