The Progression Of Alzheimer’s Disease (NAPSA)—Researchers in the United States and Canada are trying to determine whetherthe investigational drug bapineuzumab (bapi) can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, an irre- versible and fatal brain disease. When a person has Alzheimer’s, plaques form in the brain, damaging and killing nervecells. It is believed that this loss of nerve cells contributes to the cognitive and functional decline seen in Alzheimer’s patients. Plaques form when toxic beta-amyloid and other components clump together. Bapi is designed to target and clear beta-amyloid from the brain, possibly slowing and stopping the march of Alzheimer’s. It is this potential ability that is being investigated by researchers. Alzheimer’s slowly destroys a person’s memory and thinkingskills, and eventually his or her ability to carry out simple tasks such as bathing and eating. As the disease progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time andisfatal. “While medications are available to treat someof the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, these therapies do not modify, stop or reverse the progression of this disease,” said Dr. Michael Biber, medical director, NeuroCare Center for Research, Newton, Mass. A clinical study is under way investigating bapineuzumabfor the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Bapi is a humanized monoclonal antibody that provides patients with an antibody to beta-amyloid. “It is important for patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s to consider participating in clinical studies,” said Dr. Biber. “Clinical studies that test new treatments An investigational drug is being tested to see if it slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. are the best chance we have for fighting this devastating disease.” According to the Alzheimer’s Association: As many as 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. * Today, it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s has no cure. But treatments for symptoms, com- bined with the right services and support, can improve life for people with Alzheimer’s. Researchers at more than 200 sites are seeking volunteers to participate in the third phase ofclinical testing of the investigational drug bapineuzumab. Participants must be between 50 and 88 years of age and have a diagnosis of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. In addition to receiving studyrelated physical exams andlaboratory services at no charge, partici- pants will be monitored by a medical team,including a physician. To learn more about the study, visit www.icarastudy.com or call (888) 770-6366. The drug is made by pharmaceutical company Elan.
