New Alzheimer’s research for a better ‘tomorrow’
South East Queensland volunteers are wanted for a global clinical research trial to identify the genetic risk factors of developing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease and test a medication with the potential to delay its onset.
Professor Lyn Griffiths, executive director of the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at the Queensland University of Technology.
The TOMMORROW study is a Phase 3 trial, taking place across America, Europe and Australia, including at the Queensland University of Technology's (QUT) new Genomics Research Centre, Mermaid Waters.
The study is led by Professor Lyn Griffiths, executive director of the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at QUT.
“Alzheimer's disease is a devastating disease and diagnoses are increasing as the world's population ages. About 35.6 million people worldwide are living with some form of dementia,” Professor Griffiths says.
“This is an important trial that is aimed at reducing the burden of Alzheimer's disease. More specifically, it is focused on earlier detection and assessment of the risk of developing cognitive impairment due to the Alzheimer's disorder,” she adds.
MCI is the early phase of Alzheimer's disease and is a gradual, progressive decline in thinking ability. Studies show that individuals with MCI have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia.
The research team is recruiting healthy individuals aged 65 to 83 years for the TOMMORROW study.
A genetic blood test will evaluate two specific genes (APOE gene and the TOMM40 gene) that have previously been shown to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
“The study is also evaluating the efficacy of an investigational study drug to see if it will delay the first symptoms of MCI due to Alzheimer's disease. At 65, people have a one in eight chance of developing Alzheimer's disease and by 85 that risk increases to a one in two chance,” she says.
Professor Griffiths claims research on the increasingly common and serious disorder of MCI is needed to understand its development, find better ways to slow its progress and to treat it.
“Over five years, the study will recruit internationally from large, diverse, community based populations. It is expected that almost 6,000 cognitively normal and physically healthy individuals aged 65 to 83 at 60 centres worldwide will be enrolled in the study,” she says.
Find out more information on the TOMMORROW study and how to participate.
