Byrd Alzheimer's Institute Seeks Study
Volunteers with Alzheimer's Disease
ICARA Study to evaluate safety and effectiveness of
an investigational drug for controlling progression
of Alzheimer's disease.
05.12.08
TAMPA – Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute is participating in ICARA (Investigational Clinical Amyloid Research in Alzheimer's) – an international clinical study to learn if an investigational drug can help control the progression of Alzheimer's disease. In total, approximately 2050 patients will be enrolled at research sites in North America.
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of memory and cognitive function. It destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect everyday life. Alzheimer's gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, affecting approximately 18 million people worldwide. Alzheimer's-related medical complications are among the most common causes of death in the elderly population.
“Our goal is to explore if this investigational drug can help control the progression of Alzheimer's. Most current therapies for Alzheimer's treat the symptoms associated with it and not the disease itself,” said Dr. Ashok Raj. “It is important for patients and families affected by Alzheimer's to consider participating in clinical studies. Clinical studies that test new treatments are the best chance we have for fighting this disease.”
Participants for the ICARA study must be between 50 and 88 years of age, have a diagnosis of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and have a caregiver who is willing to be involved in the study. A medical team including a nurse or study coordinator and a physician will monitor participants throughout the study.
The Byrd Alzheimer's Institute recently opened a state-of-the-art research facility on the campus of the University of South Florida in Tampa to continue its important work. The institute is the world's largest freestanding Alzheimer's research facility.
Created in 2002 by the Florida Legislature, the Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr., Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute is dedicated to supporting and coordinating the tremendous research, expertise and creative vision of scientific professionals all over Florida. The National Institutes of Health designated the Byrd Institute and the University of South Florida as an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center generating more than $7 million in research money. There are only 32 of these centers in the country, and Florida is one of only 21 states with centers that have earned the designation.
Please call the clinic at 813.866.1611 for more information and participation.
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