Seeking participants for a new Fronto-temporal Dementia trial
The main purpose of this research project is to look at whether the trial drug, sodium selenate decreases the rate of brain shrinkage in patients with fronto-temporal dementia. The research project will also look into the effect of sodium selenate on brain function and markers of disease measured on brain scans, in blood, and in the fluid around the brain and spine to see if participants are responding to the treatment.
Anticipated date that enrolment will close: March 2024
Who can take part
Participants meet the key inclusion criteria:
- Aged 35 years or over
- Modified Hachinski Ischaemia Score less than or equal to 4
- Diagnosis of possible or probable bvFTD
- Must have at least 10 contact hours per week with a responsible carer
What is involved for you
Participation in this study will involve coming to the study doctor’s clinic up to ten times over 64 weeks (15 months). Participants will be randomised to either the study drug, sodium selenate or placebo. Half of the participants will receive the study drug, and half will receive the placebo (a drug that looks like the study drug but has no active ingredient). Neither you nor any of the research team will know whether you are receiving the study drug or the placebo.
The study involves the following assessments:
- 2 x MRI scans (1 at the beginning and 1 at the completion of the study)
- 3 x PET scans (2 at the beginning and 1 at the completion of the study)
- 2 x Lumbar Punctures (1 at the beginning and 1 at the completion of the study)
- Physical and neurological examinations
- Blood tests
- Cognitive tests and questionnaires