Alzheimer's Patients to Be Given ADHD Drugs in Major UK Trial

Hundreds of Alzheimer's patients in the UK will participate in a groundbreaking trial designed to significantly speed up the evaluation of new treatments. The Ad-Smart trial will test several drugs concurrently, a method expected to more than halve the time and cost associated with bringing effective therapies to patients.

Among the initial drugs being tested are atomoxetine, used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and metformin, a common medication for type 2 diabetes. Preliminary studies suggest that atomoxetine may impact the processes that contribute to Alzheimer's degeneration, while metformin has also shown promise in related pathways.

The trial structure allows for existing and new drugs to be added over time, with all being compared against a shared placebo group. This approach aims to streamline the research process, which has historically been slow, with single-drug trials often taking a decade or more to yield results. Experts anticipate that conclusions for the first drugs tested could be available by 2030.

Professor Paresh Malhotra, chief investigator for the trial from the UK Dementia Research Institute, stated that the current system of testing one drug at a time is inefficient. "We are applying advances from cancer and other conditions to accelerate testing of treatments for people with Alzheimer's disease," he explained. "The way Ad-Smart is set up means we're testing several treatments at the same time, and those that don't show promise can be quickly stopped. Then we can start testing something else."

This multi-drug approach mirrors strategies used in treating complex diseases like cancer, where combinations of therapies target different mechanisms simultaneously. Researchers hope to explore multiple pathways involved in neurodegeneration to identify effective treatments more rapidly.

Andy Burnham, whose father recently died from dementia, expressed his support for the trial, emphasizing the need for faster breakthroughs. "I know how it feels to lose a loved one to dementia and have seen first-hand the devastating impact this illness has on families," Burnham said. "That's why I'm proud to see this trial being launched in the UK, so that cutting-edge treatments can reach patients here as soon as possible."

The trial aims to recruit up to 1,200 participants across approximately 20 NHS sites, with recruitment expected to continue over the next 18 months. Patients interested in joining the trial can register their interest via the Join Dementia Research website. The Daily Mail and Alzheimer's Society have partnered on a campaign, Defeating Dementia, to raise awareness, improve early diagnosis, and increase research funding for the disease, which is the UK's biggest killer and affects around 600,000 people.

Dr. Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, highlighted the urgency for more treatment options. "For people living with Alzheimer's disease, time is precious," she stated. "We urgently need more treatment options that can help people live better for longer and stay connected to the people they love."