Cerebral and Peripheral Perfusion Pilot Study — CAPP  

Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trial

Official title: Impact of Atorvastatin on Cerebral Perfusion and Endothelial Function

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the hypothesis that in middle-aged, asymptomatic, adult children of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD), atorvastatin therapy will beneficially affect mechanisms thought to contribute to AD risk by improving blood flow in the brain, improving cerebral perfusion, increasing brain activity patterns, and improving blood vessel function.

Clinical Trial Description

Treatment with cholesterol-lowering medications, specifically statins, is associated with up to a 73% reduction in the prevalence of AD, suggesting a potentially promising role for statins in the prevention of AD. In order to better understand the mechanisms through which statins may possibly modify blood AD risk, this study evaluated whether administration of atorvastatin favorably altered blood flow in the brain (measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) and blood vessel function (measured by ultrasound).

Participants attended 3 visits over the course of the 4-month study. At the initial visit, participants completed a short questionnaire about their past medical history and medication history. At the baseline visit, participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive atorvastatin 40 mg nightly vs. matching placebo. At baseline and follow-up visits, participants provided an update on medical problems and medications, reviewed any potential side effects, and had fasting blood tests collected for safety monitoring, including liver and muscle enzyme monitoring. In addition, all participants had MRI and ultrasound measures collected. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Alzheimer Disease
• Alzheimer's Disease

• NCT number: NCT00751907
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Start date: June 2006
• Completion date: April 2007