Researchers in Tulsa are beginning work in a nationwide Alzheimer’s disease study.
Ralph Richter is a neurologist leading the work locally. He said they’re testing a new medication to help slow progression of the disease.
"This has been found in animal work that this did help to prevent cell death, and in animal level, ameliorated memory impairment," Richter said. "In other words, it enhanced or improved memory impairment."
Tulsa is one of 50 research sites participating in the NOBLE study. The potential new drug is not a cure.
"This is not a preventative, it is not going to arrest the disease, but our hope would be that it will help buy more time and slow the disease process," Richter said.
There are just four or five drugs on the market now to slow Alzheimer’s. A new one hasn’t been released in about a decade.
Patients must be 55 to 85 years old with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. More information is available at the study website or by calling 918-743-2349.
