National Institute on Aging > Research > Research Programs (Extramural) > Division of Neuroscience > Program Initiatives
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Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS)

A major Alzheimer's disease clinical trials effort of the Division of Neuroscience is the ADCS which has been funded since 1991. The ADCS was designed to conduct clinical trials on promising compounds designed to improve cognitive functioning, ameliorate behavioral disturbances, slow the rate of decline, or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. In general these are drugs that large pharmaceutical companies would generally not be interested in. Such drugs include:

  • Drugs that are off-patent
  • Drugs that were patented and marketed for another use, but might be useful for treatment of Alzheimer's disease
  • Novel compounds from individual investigators or from small companies without adequate resources for clinical trials

The ADCS mission also includes the development of new instruments for clinical trials, as well as the development of novel and innovative approaches to clinical trial design.

The ADCS is a major initiative for Alzheimer's disease clinical trials in the Federal government, addressing treatments for both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. This is part of the Division of Neuroscience’s effort to facilitate the discovery, development, and testing of new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and also is part of the Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Initiative. Since 1991, the ADCS has initiated 21 studies (15 drug trials and 6 instrument assessment studies). The ADCS studies have generated numerous publications. Moreover, several of the studies have had major public health impact, i.e., estrogen for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, vitamin E and donepezil in Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Current Approved Studies

Trials Status
Development of improved assessment measures for primary Alzheimer's disease prevention trials. Study completed.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the statin drug simvastatin to slow the progression rate in Alzheimer's disease. Study completed.
High-dose supplements (vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid) to reduce homocysteine and slow the rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Study completed.
Placebo-controlled trial of valproate therapy to attenuate the clinical progression of Alzheimer's disease. Enrollment completed; individuals are being followed.
Assessment of safety, tolerability, and effect on cerebrospinal fluid markers related to oxidative damage and Alzheimer’s pathology of two antioxidant combination regimens. Study completed.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effects of docosahexanoic acid (DHA) in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Enrollment completed; individuals are being followed.
Multi-center trial to evaluate home-based assessment methods for Alzheimer's disease prevention research in people age 75 or older. Enrollment began in October 2007 and is ongoing.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized multi-center study evaluating the efficacy and safety of 18 months of treatment with PF-04494700 (TTP488) in participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Enrollment begain in December 2007 and is ongoing.
Intravaneous Immunoglobulin (IGIV) for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Enrollment to begin in Fall or Winter 2008.

Page last updated Sep 26, 2008