Preventing Alzheimer's in people with inherited Alzheimer's gene mutations
DIAN-TU Primary Prevention Trial
This trial tests a treatment to stop Alzheimer’s-related amyloid build-up in people who carry inherited gene mutations but have no symptoms yet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11377916 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll be in a 4-year, randomized, blinded trial that compares an active treatment to a placebo. The study plans to enroll about 160 people who carry dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s mutations and are more than 15 years before their expected symptom onset, with little or no amyloid on brain scans. Regular visits will include brain imaging, blood or spinal fluid biomarker tests, and cognitive checks to track whether amyloid formation is prevented. The trial is run through the DIAN-TU platform across multiple international sites and uses biomarker endpoints rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who are confirmed carriers of dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s mutations, are clinically asymptomatic, and are more than 15 years before their estimated symptom onset with minimal amyloid on scans.
Not a fit: People who do not carry these genetic mutations, who already have symptoms of Alzheimer's, or who have substantial amyloid buildup are unlikely to benefit from this prevention-focused trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the treatment could prevent amyloid plaque from forming and delay or stop Alzheimer’s symptoms in people at genetic risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials that lowered amyloid in people who already had brain pathology reduced amyloid levels but have not consistently prevented cognitive decline, making primary prevention before amyloid appears a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdade, Eric Martin — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Mcdade, Eric Martin
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 below.