Surgery to improve treatment for Alzheimer's disease

Deep Cervical Lymphatlc-Venous Anastomosis Surgery for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Pilot Study (DIVA Study)

Phase 3 Interventional Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital · NCT06530732

This study is testing if a new type of surgery, combined with regular medication, can help improve brain function in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorZhejiang Provincial People's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
Trial IDNCT06530732 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of deep cervical lymphatic-venous anastomosis (dcLVA) surgery in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the dcLVA surgery combined with standard medication or standard medication alone. The study will involve cognitive assessments, brain MRI scans, and lumbar punctures to measure changes in cognitive function and glymphatic clearance over a 12-month period. The primary outcome will be assessed using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale scores.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 35 years old diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and exhibiting specific cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairment due to other neurological infections or significant organ dysfunction may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new surgical option to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, other studies have explored surgical interventions for neurological conditions, but specific outcomes for this method in Alzheimer's disease are untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed as an AD patient according to biological markers and clinical symptoms;
* Over 35 years old and with an MMSE or MOCA score ≤ 26;
* The patient or family member has signed an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to cooperate with lumbar puncture;
* Cognitive impairment due to neurological infections (e.g., HIV, neurosyphilis, autoimmune encephalitis) or systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes, thyroid dysfunction);
* Significant organ dysfunction (heart, lung, liver, kidney);
* Coagulation disorders or contraindications to surgery;
* Inability to fully cooperate with follow-up visits.

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

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's Disease
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.