A new nationwide research study — VITAL
(Vitamins to slow Alzheimer’s
disease) — is looking for 400 volunteers to test whether taking high-dose
supplements of vitamins B6, B12 and folate will slow the progress of Alzheimer’s
disease (AD).
People with AD have elevated levels
of homocysteine ("ho-mo-SIS-teen") in their blood. Homocysteine
is an amino acid (a building block of protein) that is produced in the human
body. High-dose supplements of folate and vitamins B6 and B12 can lower homocysteine
levels. Researchers will investigate whether a regimen of these vitamins might
also stall the devastating effects of AD.
VITAL
is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study at the University
of California, San Diego and funded by the National Institute on Aging, part
of the U.S. Government’s National Institutes of Health.
The VITAL study is seeking volunteers who:
- have mild to moderate AD
- are age 55 or older
- are fluent in English or Spanish
- are on stable medications for 4 weeks prior
to screening visit
- have a study partner—a friend or relative
who can accompany the volunteer to all clinic visits and answer questions
about him/her.
VITAL is a randomized, placebo-controlled
research study, including two groups of unequal size: 60% of the participants
will be assigned at random to receive daily high-dose supplements and 40%
will receive identical placebo (inactive pill). Participants will be assessed
regularly by physicians and qualified health care professionals during the
18-month study.
For more information, or to volunteer, contact:
Alena
Kleytman at (650) 849-0339
