Lead by Imperial College London
AD – SMART
AD-SMART is a trial testing several existing drugs alongside a placebo to quickly determine if any can slow early Alzheimer’s progression, and we’re seeking public input on which drugs to prioritize based on their potential benefits and side effects.
An Introduction to AD-SMART
Alzheimer’s disease is a common and progressive brain condition, and there is an urgent need for safer, more effective treatments to slow its progression. One potential approach is to repurpose existing drugs—those already used for other conditions—and test their effectiveness in Alzheimer’s disease.
We are planning a groundbreaking trial that will test several drugs simultaneously. Your opinion is vital in deciding which drugs to include and what aspects of treatment are most important to you.
What Makes AD-SMART Unique?
AD-SMART is a novel type of trial where multiple drugs are tested at the same time against a placebo (dummy treatment). Participants will be divided into different “arms” of the trial: some will receive the placebo, while others will receive one of the drugs being tested.
This design allows us to learn about potential treatments much faster compared to traditional trials that test one drug at a time.
Who Can Participate?
We are seeking input from a wide range of people:
- Individuals with dementia
- Their families and carers
- Professionals working with people with dementia
- Anyone else with a perspective to share
Your voice matters, and everyone is welcome to take part!
About the Trial
The trial will recruit people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Participants will receive either a placebo or one of the selected drugs, which are already prescribed for other conditions but have shown promise for Alzheimer’s disease.
Testing these drugs will help us determine whether they can truly slow the progression of the condition.
Why Your Opinion is Essential
Choosing the right drugs to test is crucial. Each drug has unique potential side effects and practical considerations, such as how often it needs to be taken. These factors can make a drug more or less appealing for testing.
We want to hear from you:
- Which drugs should we prioritize for testing?
- What treatment factors are most important to you?
Your input will help shape the future of Alzheimer’s disease research.