Research into new drugs for treating illnesses can be some of the most exciting studies carried out.

Aims of the Study

There is a rare form of dementia called Behavioural Frontotemporal Dementia, or bvFTD for short. It can strike anyone between the ages of 20 and 80, but primarily affects those in their 50s.
Currently, there are no physical treatments for this condition, but hopefully that will change soon.

Researchers know that major protein deposits can build up in the brain to the point where they cause the death of brain cells.
It is hoped that a new chemical compound called leuco-methylthioninium (LMTM) could cause these deposits to break apart – and that this could lead to a slowing of the condition’s progression.

How does it work?

To fill this study, researchers are looking for 60 men and women, below the age of 70, who are confirmed with bvFTD. They must be accompanied by a caregiver who can provide a reliable assessment of the volunteer’s mental state, can observe any significant changes, and advise on their safety and tolerance.

The volunteers will take doses of the new medication for a year, and visit the research centre monthly for tests of their blood, scans of their brain and assessments of their memory.

If you match these requirements, and can visit the Dementia Research Centre in central London monthly for a year, then we will want to hear from you! Sign up with ‘Join dementia research’ today by following the link on the right, and see if you are eligible for this and other studies.

Tell us about it!

We always want to hear from people taking part in ‘Join dementia research’ studies! Can you tell us about what you learned, and what advice would you give to people considering joining a study? Get in touch with us today – via comms.jdr@nihr.ac.uk, and follow us on Facebookand Twitter!