Caffeine's effect on cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease

Multicentre, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial Evaluating the Effect of a 30-week Caffeine Treatment on Cognition in Alzheimer's Disease at Beginning to Moderate Stages

Phase 3 Interventional University Hospital, Lille · NCT04570085

This study is testing if caffeine can help improve thinking and memory in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment248 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Lille Academic / other
Locations17 sites (Amiens and 16 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04570085 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy of caffeine as a symptomatic treatment for cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease. It is a Phase 3, placebo-controlled study that will administer caffeine over a 30-week period to assess its impact on cognitive function in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Participants must meet specific diagnostic criteria and undergo routine health assessments to ensure eligibility. The study aims to determine whether caffeine can provide cognitive benefits while considering potential side effects such as anxiety and insomnia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 and older with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's dementia and a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between 16 and 24.

Not a fit: Patients with major depressive episodes, other chronic central nervous system pathologies, or those unable to adhere to a low caffeine diet may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a new symptomatic treatment option for patients with Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving their cognitive function.

How similar studies have performed: While caffeine has been studied for its cognitive effects, this specific approach in Alzheimer's disease is novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 50 at screening
* Probable Alzheimer dementia according to the criteria of the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association; diagnosis must be supported by brain imaging (CT or MRI) and blood test (including ionogram, kidney and liver function, calcemia, CRP, TSH, B12 vitamins and folates) performed in routine care
* MMSE score ≥16
* Presence of an informant and caregiver, living with the patient
* IAChE and/or Memantine treatment non-compulsory ; If implemented it must be effective and stable for 2 months before the selection visit and must remain stable for the duration of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who refuse to adopt a low caffeine diet (eviction of tea, caffeinated sodas, chocolate in large quantities)
* Current major depressive episode according to DSM-5 criteria
* Another chronic pathology of the central nervous system
* Major anxiety according to the clinician (consistent with the corresponding nPI-R items that must indicate a severity \>2 and an impact \>3)
* Sleep disorders defined by severity and an impact on NPI-R; a patient fitted for OSA may be included if the device has been in use for 3 months and well tolerated (stable)
* Decompensated heart disease or severe rhythm disorder (excluding slow, treated and stable chronic atrial fibrillation)
* Active smoking
* For childbearing women : pregnancy in progress or planned (A pregnancy test will be performed)
* Patients who take forbidden treatment :

  * Psychotropic treatments introduced or modified \< 2 months before inclusion
  * Chronic use of CYP1A2 inducing or inhibiting drugs
  * All caffeine-containing specialties
  * Drugs that influence caffeine metabolism
  * Drugs that may interact with caffeine

Where this trial is running

Amiens and 16 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Alzheimer DiseaseAlzheimer's diseasecaffeinecognitive impairment
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.