30-Week Study Testing Caffeine Treatment for Early to Moderate Alzheimers Disease Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of caffeine on cognitive decline in people with Alzheimers disease at early to moderate stages, characterized by a Mini-Mental State Examination MMSE score between 16 and 24. This phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to study the 30-week impact of caffeine treatment on cognition. The study addresses the potential benefits and risks of caffeine, considering its complex effects on the central nervous system, including possible anxiety and insomnia at high doses, which may be more pronounced in Alzheimers patients. Participants begin with a 3-week dose escalation period, followed by a 27-week treatment phase. The caffeine group receives capsules starting at 100 mg, titrated up by 100 mg increments to a target dose of 400 mg per day divided into two doses, while the placebo group undergoes a similar regimen with placebo capsules. After the treatment period, caffeine is tapered off using the same negative titration. Both groups follow a low caffeine diet before and during the study. During the study, participants undergo regular assessments of cognitive function using the Neuropsychological Test Battery NTB scores at 30 weeks and six weeks after treatment ends to observe any lasting effects. Additional evaluations include MMSE scores, attention tests, sleepiness scales, daily living activities, quality of life, caregiver burden, clinical global impression, and safety monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure. Blood samples will measure caffeine and its derivatives. The study involves caregivers living with the patient and lasts for at least 36 weeks from randomization.

Effect of CAFfeine on Cognition in Alzheimer's Disease