UQ study to focus on memory problems

Volunteers aged from 41 to 95 years of age with memory problems that may herald Alzheimer's disease are needed for a University of Queensland study.

The 12-month outpatient trial will advance research into the effects of a new drug which may benefit people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

The drug is believed to increase levels of a chemical messenger in the brain and reduce the damage caused to brain cells as they age.

University senior lecturer in psychiatry and consultant psychiatrist at Royal Brisbane Hospital Dr Gerard Byrne will co-ordinate the trial.

Dr Byrne said volunteers would be assessed to establish the nature and cause of their memory problems and any associated medical problems. This assessment would include memory tests, a physical examination, blood tests and an X-ray.

More than 100 people would be assessed before 12 subjects were chosen for the study, he said.

'Subjects will be required to take the medication twice a day for 12 months and attend the clinic for regular interviews,' he said.

For further information contact research nurse Ms Elizabeth Arnold (telephone (07) 3835 9443).