A New Opportunity to Treat Behavioral Problems in Alzheimer’s Patients

Principal Investigator: Dr. Krista Lanctôt

Disease: Alzheimer’s

Research Description: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is commonly associated with behavioral changes such as agitation. Severe agitation is important to treat because it not only increases progression of AD and physical health problems (increased falls and weight loss), but it also increases caregiver stress. Currently prescribed treatments for agitation in AD do not work for all patients. When they do work, the effect is small, and they increase the risk of harmful side effects, including increased risk of mortality. As a result, there is an urgent need for safer medication options. Cannabinoids, such as nabilone, can now be prescribed in capsule form, and their calming, appetite and pain killing effects may have benefits in those with agitation. Through this clinical trial, Dr. Lanctôt hopes to identify the benefits of nabilone in the treatment of agitation in AD.

Funding Partners: Anonymous

CWR funding role: Participating funder

Completed: 2019