Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS)

A major Alzheimer's disease clinical trials effort of NNA is the ADCS which has been funded since 1991. The ADCS was designed to conduct clinical trials on promising compounds designed to improve cognitive functioning, ameliorate behavioral disturbances, slow the rate of decline, or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.  In general these are drugs that large pharmaceutical companies would generally not be interested in. Such drugs include: 

• Drugs that are off-patent 
• Drugs that were patented and marketed for another use, but might be useful for treatment of Alzheimer's disease 
• Novel compounds from individual investigators or from small companies without adequate resources for clinical trials

The ADCS mission also includes the development of new instruments for clinical trials, as well as the development of novel and innovative approaches to clinical trial design. 

The ADCS is a major initiative for Alzheimer's disease clinical trials in the Federal government, addressing treatments for both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. This is part of NNA’s effort to facilitate the discovery, development, and testing of new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and also is part of the Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Initiative. Since 1991, the ADCS has initiated 19 studies (14 drug trials and 5 instrument assessment studies). The ADCS studies have generated numerous publications.  Moreover, several of the studies have had major public health impact, i.e., estrogen for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, vitamin E and donepezil in Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Current Approved Studies