Noradrenaline as a Target in early Alzheimer’s disease.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Noradrenaline as a Target in early Alzheimer’s disease.
IRAS ID
258572
Contact name
Dorothea Hammerer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, months, days
Research summary
Recent research shows that the first shrinkage observable in Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD) occurs in a brain structure called Locus Coeruleus (LC). The LC produces a neurotransmitter called noradrenaline, which boosts brain function in parts of the brain necessary for remembering things and for concentrating. It has therefore been hypothesised that a loss of noradrenaline due to the shrinkage of the LC is responsible for the earliest signs of being more forgetful and finding it harder to concentrate in AD. The aim of the study is to test whether pharmacological agents which boost noradrenaline function in the brain can improve memory and the ability to concentrate in early AD. Rembering and concentrating are supported by different parts of the brain. The study therefore tests two different pharmacological agents which specifically target the relevant brain areas. We will use brain imaging to test whether the pharmacological agents that increase noradrenaline levels in the respective brain areas can boost cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment / probable AD. If successful, our study can outline a possible treatment for the earliest symptoms of AD.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0686
Date of REC Opinion
3 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion