Cognitive aging is a major source of disability in an increasingly aging population. The
paucity of effective treatments for cognitive aging disorders, and most importantly in
Alzheimer's disease instigates a need for further research into novel therapeutic
possibilities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and its
prevalence steeply increases. Glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in neuropsychiatric disorders
and in particular in Alzheimer's disease has been shown to cause significant cerebral damage.
Early effective therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer's disease is critical in order to
prevent or at least slow down neuropathological progression that will lead to widespread
irreversible neuronal loss and significant cognitive dysfunction. Riluzole, a glutamate
modulator agent, will be tested in mild Alzheimer's disease patients. Cognitive functional
changes along with two established in vivo biomarkers, namely, Magnetic Resonance
Spectroscopy (MRS) and Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F) positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) will
be evaluated.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Rockefeller University