Using Propranolol to improve language in people with Primary Progressive Aphasia
Official title: Trial of Propranolol in Older Adults With Primary Progressive Aphasia
Run by University of Missouri-Columbia · NCT06066710 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if the medication Propranolol can help improve language skills and reduce anxiety in people over 50 with Primary Progressive Aphasia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Missouri-Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbia, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 13, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06066710 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 and older who have been diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia and are native English speakers.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with major psychological or neurological diagnoses, or those with conditions that contraindicate the use of Propranolol, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of Propranolol on language abilities in individuals diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia, a condition that currently lacks effective drug treatments. Participants aged 50 and older will receive either Propranolol or a placebo, with their language skills assessed through various methods, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The goal is to determine if Propranolol can alleviate language impairments and associated anxiety in these patients. This research is significant as it explores a novel use of an existing medication for a condition with limited therapeutic options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for improving language function in patients with Primary Progressive Aphasia.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research on the use of Propranolol for this specific condition, the exploration of existing medications for new indications is a common and promising approach in clinical research.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 1\. Age: 50 and older * 2\. Primary Progressive Aphasia diagnosis * 3\. Native English speaker Exclusion Criteria: * 1\. Unable to provide consent * 2\. Taking alpha 2 agonists (clonidine and guanfacine) * 3\. Other major psychological or neurological diagnosis * 4\. Major head trauma that contributed to their condition * 5\. Allergic reaction to adhesives * 6\. Uncorrected vision/hearing impairments * 7\. Diabetes * 8\. Reactive airway disease * 9\. Untreated hypothyroidism * 10\. Bradyarrhythmia * 11\. Unexplained syncope * 12\. Pregnancy (assessed verbally on the days of MR imaging) * 13\. Drugs that interact with propranolol, such as alpha 2 agonists * 14\. Claustrophobia, inner ear implants, aneurysm or other surgical clips, metal foreign bodies in eye, pacemaker or other contraindication to MR scanning. Subjects with any implanted device that cannot be verified as MRI compliant will be excluded.
Where it's running
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University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David Beversdorf, MD — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: David Beversdorf, MD
- Email: beversdorfd@health.missouri.edu
- Phone: 573-882-6081
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.