Investigating nicorandil for treating aging-related brain changes

Safety and modulation of ABCC9 pathways by nicorandil for the treatment of hippocampal sclerosis of aging (SMArT–HS)

NIH-funded research University of Kentucky · NIH-11041026

This study is looking at whether a medication called nicorandil is safe and helpful for older adults with hippocampal sclerosis of aging, a condition that can be mistaken for Alzheimer's, and it involves 62 participants over 75 years old who will take either the medication or a placebo for about two years.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kentucky NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lexington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11041026 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research is focused on testing the safety and effectiveness of a medication called nicorandil for treating hippocampal sclerosis of aging, a condition that affects many elderly individuals and is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease. The study will involve a clinical trial with 62 participants aged over 75, who will receive either nicorandil or a placebo over a 96-week period. Researchers will monitor neurodegenerative biomarkers and assess the safety of the treatment in this population. The goal is to find a potential therapy for a condition that currently has no validated treatment options.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals over 75 years old who show signs of hippocampal sclerosis of aging.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 75 or do not have the specific biomarkers associated with hippocampal sclerosis of aging may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for elderly patients suffering from hippocampal sclerosis of aging.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in targeting hippocampal sclerosis of aging, previous studies have shown promise in using similar pharmacological mechanisms for other age-related conditions.

Where this research is happening

Lexington, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.