21 Feb 2001

The Memory Evaluation and Treatment Service at Burke Medical Research Institute in New York has started a therapeutic trial of a nutritional supplement-a "metabolic enhancer"-in nondiabetic AD patients who are also taking 10 mg/day of donepezil. The ingredients of the supplement are classified by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe). Results in preliminary open studies were very encouraging. The current double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is for three months, followed by a three-month open label phase. They are actively recruiting patients. As of November 2001, 21 patients were enrolled and 19 more were needed.

Contact: Rosanna Cirio (phone 914-597-2476; rcirio@burke.org), or John Blass (phone 914-597-2351, 597-2356; jpblass@mail.med.cornell.edu or jblass@burke.org). The department fax number is 914-597-2757. Dementia Research Service, Burke Medical Research Institute, 785 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, New York 10605.