Investigating benfotiamine as a treatment for early Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Phase II randomized controlled trial of benfotiamine in early Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst · NIH-10661607 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a vitamin called benfotiamine can help improve memory and brain health in people with early Alzheimer's disease over 18 months, and you'll either get the vitamin or a placebo to see how it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (White Plains, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $11,038,947 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG076634-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10661607 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on testing benfotiamine, a form of thiamine, as a potential treatment for individuals with early Alzheimer's disease. The trial will assess the effects of benfotiamine on cognitive function and brain health over an 18-month period. Participants will receive either the treatment or a placebo, and various cognitive and biological markers will be monitored to evaluate the drug's effectiveness. The study aims to determine if increasing thiamine levels in the brain can improve memory and reduce Alzheimer's-related pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that may improve cognitive function and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with thiamine treatment in related conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst
White Plains, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gibson, Gary E — Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Gibson, Gary E
Related research
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This study is looking at how using hearing aids might help people aged 55 to 75 with early hearing loss and mild memory issues, by seeing if better hearing can improve their thinking skills and social connections, possibly helping to prevent further memory decline.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.