Investigating how high doses of thiamine may help in Alzheimer's disease by reducing harmful compounds.

Mechanistic links between the benefits of pharmacologically high thiamine (vitamin B1) in Alzheimer's disease to Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGE)

NIH-funded research Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst · NIH-11019797

This study is looking at whether a special form of vitamin B1 called benfotiamine can help improve symptoms for people with Alzheimer's disease, especially those who have a certain genetic risk factor, by reducing harmful compounds in the body.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWinifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (White Plains, United States)
Project IDNIH-11019797 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the potential benefits of pharmacological thiamine, specifically through the drug benfotiamine, in patients with Alzheimer's disease. It aims to understand how thiamine can reduce the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE), which are harmful compounds linked to the progression of Alzheimer's. The study will involve clinical trials to assess the effects of high thiamine levels on symptoms and biomarkers in patients, particularly focusing on those with the APOE4 genetic risk factor. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to optimize thiamine's therapeutic effects for better patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those who may have a deficiency in thiamine or carry the APOE4 genotype.

Not a fit: Patients with Alzheimer's disease who do not have thiamine deficiency or those with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for Alzheimer's disease, potentially slowing its progression and alleviating symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with thiamine supplementation in Alzheimer's models, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

White Plains, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.