Monday, March 15, 2010

The Bapi Clinical Trial

Several months ago, Michelle came running into the house.....

Hurry, hurry, quick, quick, call this number. Its a study on Alzheimer’s at UAB (University of Alabama-Birmingham).

So, I did. This was the recorded message:

“The ICARA (Bapi) study is still enrolling participants, if you or someone you know has a diagnosis of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. The goal of the Bapi study is to explore if an investigational drug can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. There is no charge to participate, and a medical team, including a physician, will monitor participants throughout the study. It is important for patients and families affected by Alzheimer's to consider participating in clinical studies. Clinical studies that test new treatments are the best chance we have for fighting this disease.”

It seems that all of the drugs that Bill has taken before (Aricept, Namenda, Exelon Patch) are great medications to slow the PROGRESSION of dementia related Alzheimer’s. This drug is designed to STOP the progression.

This is a double blind study. 1/3 of the patients will received a full dose, 1/3 will receive a half dose and 1/3 will receive no dose at all (placebo).

Additionally, this particular clinical trial is non-genetic carriers and we know now that Bill is not. (Great news for the rest of the family)

Through a series of screenings, tests, MRI’s, other doctor visits, psych testing (of both myself and the patient) I am proud to say that Bill is in the study.

Monday was his first infusion and a rather long day. First, a visit with Dr. Kinney and then a walk over to the research wing at UAB’s Jefferson tower where he received the infusion for one hours and then was monitored for 3 hours. We will repeat the same protocol in 13 weeks.

Meanwhile at week 6-7, we will be back in their offices for another MRI as there is a risk of brain swelling with this trial.

Here’s hoping!


2 comments:

  1. Well, how's he doing?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well, he's no longer in the trial. You may be able to move forward in the blog to see the trials. He suffered a stroke in June 2010 and they eliminated him from the medication part of the trial but agreed to keep him and monitor him with MRI. Ultimately, he gave up. Would no longer participate in the MRI schedule. Stroke is a side-effect of the medication. Thanks for asking.

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