The AUstralian-multidomain Approach to Reduce dementia Risk by prOtecting brain health With lifestyle intervention study (AU-ARROW)

Recruiting Now!

The Australian Dementia Network (ADNet): Bringing together Australia’s dementia stakeholders

In this study we aim to organise a national registry of people interested in participating in studies to understand Alzheimer’s disease and to prevent it.

You will undergo some brain scans via MRI and PET to investigate Amyloid-beta. You will also do some cognitive tests, answer questionnaires, provide a blood sample and have some body measurements taken. You may chose to have an optional lumbar puncture to collect cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). After that you will receive information on studies you are eligible for and you can decide if you would like to participate.

Please check out the national website for further details: https://www.australiandementianetwork.org.au/

If you would like to volunteer, please contact the team at:
E: adnet.trc@mq.edu.au

ToTAL study (Testosterone-Omega Three (DHA) – Amyloid Lowering)

Volunteers needed!

Background

In 2018, the Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation together with researchers from Edith Cowan University (Perth, WA) and Macquarie University (Sydney, NSW) commenced the largest clinical trial to date to investigate the influence of testosterone on key markers of Alzheimer’s disease including amyloid beta, a protein mainly accumulating in the brains of individuals with the disease. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Age-related decrease in testosterone levels in men has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Previous work by Professor Ralph Martins and his team has found that the effects of testosterone therapy may extend to both the accumulation and clearance of amyloid beta from the brain and may potentially prevent the disease.

The project will also study the effects of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil called DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). DHA is thought to protect brain cells from the damage caused by the accumulation of amyloid beta. It is hoped that combining fish oil with testosterone will have a stronger preventative effect.

Who can take part?

Man concerned about their memory, aged 60 to 80, free from any major or unstable medical conditions, who have a testosterone level on the low side of normal, and are not currently taking testosterone treatment. Other criteria will follow assessments at our NSW or WA sites.

You would like volunteer and do not know your testosterone level; we would still love to hear from you. We will collect a blood sample and test it for you.

What is required?

Participation requires initial screening to identify volunteers who are safe and suitable to take part. This is first done by a phone questionnaire, followed by two clinic visits to discuss the trial and your medical history with a study doctor, blood tests, and memory assessments. If eligible, you will be asked to undergo more memory testing, brain scans, and other assessments before and after being treated with testosterone and fish oil (or a placebo version of one or both) for a 56-week period. Participation is expected to last approximately 18 months.

Contact Details

If you would like to take part or would like further information, please contact:

• Macquarie Clinical Trials Unit (NSW)
  Anna Johnson
  T: +61 (2) 9850 5713
  E: clinicaltrials@mq.edu.au

Coconut oil in Alzheimer's Disease prevention – pilot study (COAD-P001)

Phase 1 clinical trial to investigate the effects of coconut oil (specifically medium-chain triglycerides) on ketone body production and cognitive function for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease in healthy older adults.

It is hoped that the findings might indicate an alternative therapeutic avenue for Alzheimer's disease.

We would like to thank all of our participants of this study for your time and dedication to our research, and hope to publish our results soon!