The University of Pittsburgh’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Releases News of Large-Scale Study to Prevent Alzheimers With Participants Needed

Earlier this week, University of Pittsburgh's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) released news that they are looking for individuals in the early stages of developing Alzheimer's disease to participate in a large-scale research study to help slow disease progression. This research study, called "AHEAD," is nation wide and has more than 70 academic universities across the US and Canada collaborating for data collection.

This study will utilize pharmaceutical companies Biogen and Eisai's newly commercialized drug, Leqembi, which received traditional approval by the FDA on July 6, 2023. In its Phase III drug trial, Leqembi proved to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by 27%. Dr. Oscar Lopez, Director of the ADRC and CTF Consortium researcher, is heading up this four year study in Pittsburgh and encourages individuals who fit the qualifications below to apply for consideration of participation:

• 55 to 80 years old
• Have normal thinking and memory abilities
• Be willing to learn amyloid results
• Have a trusted family member or friend answer questions about your memory and thinking
• Receive regular IV infusions of the drug Leqembi

Interested individuals are encouraged to know the risks associated with taking this medication, some of which include brain swelling and minor brain bleeds. Watch WPXI's full cover story and learn more about how to participate in this large-scale study.