UCSD Is Testing 9 New Alzheimer's Treatments Right Now—Here's What They're Trying

UC San Diego researchers are currently testing 9 groundbreaking treatments for Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline, ranging from gene therapy that delivers protective proteins directly to the brain to innovative sleep interventions for patients and their caregivers. These clinical trials represent some of the most promising approaches to preventing, slowing, or treating neurological decline in 2024.

What Gene Therapy Approaches Are Being Tested?

The most cutting-edge trial involves using a harmless virus to deliver Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) directly into patients' brains. This first-in-human study tests whether this protective protein can slow or prevent brain cell loss in people with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The gene therapy approach is designed to have brain cells continuously produce BDNF, which may also activate brain cells that haven't yet deteriorated. This trial is open to participants ages 50-80.

How Are Researchers Targeting Sleep and Alzheimer's?

Sleep disruption has emerged as a critical factor in Alzheimer's progression, leading to multiple innovative trials. One study specifically examines how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) contributes to memory impairment and Alzheimer's development in adults ages 65-85. Research has shown that sleep disruptions directly cause memory problems, making this connection crucial to understand.

Another groundbreaking approach involves time-restricted eating to improve sleep quality. The TREAD trial tests whether limiting eating to allow for 14 hours of nightly fasting can reduce sleep disturbances, cognitive decline, and disease markers in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early to moderate Alzheimer's disease. This study focuses on participants 60 years and older.

What Other Innovative Treatments Are in Development?

UCSD researchers are exploring several additional therapeutic approaches that target different aspects of neurological health:

• Genetic Mutation Prevention: Two separate trials are testing remternetug and other investigational drugs in people who carry Alzheimer's-causing genetic mutations but haven't developed symptoms yet, aiming to prevent amyloid beta accumulation before disease onset
• Caregiver Support Programs: The Care2Sleep program offers a comprehensive 5-session intervention for both Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers, available through in-person or telehealth formats to improve sleep, health status, and quality of life
• Physical Activity Interventions: A culturally adapted program called "De Pie" specifically targets Hispanic/Latino adults ages 55-89, promoting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week to support brain health
• Agitation Management: BMS-986368, a FAAH/MAGL inhibitor, is being tested to treat agitation symptoms in Alzheimer's patients ages 55-90

The diversity of these approaches reflects researchers' growing understanding that Alzheimer's disease requires multiple treatment strategies. From preventing genetic forms of the disease to supporting caregivers and addressing sleep disorders, these trials represent a comprehensive attack on neurological decline from every possible angle.