Actively Recruiting

Early Phase 1
Age: 50Years +
All Genders
ID06066710

Trial of Propranolol in Older Adults with Primary Progressive Aphasia

Led by University of Missouri-Columbia ยท Updated on 2025-03-28

30

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

52 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how the drug propranolol affects language abilities in people with Primary Progressive Aphasia, a condition that currently has no approved drug treatments for language problems or the anxiety that often comes with it. Propranolol is approved by the FDA for heart conditions but not for aphasia. This early phase 1 trial aims to better understand its impact on language and anxiety in older adults with this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either propranolol or a placebo in oral capsule form. The propranolol dose will start low and gradually increase over three weeks, continuing for a total of nine weeks. Both groups will undergo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans at 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla during the study to assess brain changes. Throughout the study, participants will have their language skills tested using the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery Naming Test at several time points up to 18 weeks. Anxiety levels and word fluency will also be measured at various visits. The study includes close monitoring to ensure participant safety and tolerability of the medication, with the total participation lasting up to 18 weeks or more depending on follow-up assessments.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Propranolol in Primary Progressive Aphasia

Who Can Participate

Age: 50Years +
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Age 50 years or older
  • Diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia
  • Native English speaker
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Unable to provide consent
  • Taking alpha 2 agonists such as clonidine or guanfacine
  • Diagnosis of other major psychological or neurological conditions
  • History of major head trauma contributing to condition
  • Allergic reaction to adhesives
  • Uncorrected vision or hearing impairments
  • Diabetes
  • Reactive airway disease
  • Untreated hypothyroidism
  • Bradyarrhythmia
  • Unexplained syncope
  • Pregnancy (assessed verbally on MRI days)
  • Use of drugs that interact with propranolol such as alpha 2 agonists
  • Claustrophobia or contraindications to MRI such as inner ear implants, surgical clips, metal in eye, pacemaker, or non-MRI compatible implanted devices

AI-Screening

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Duration - Approximately 9 weeks per treatment period

Participants take propranolol or placebo capsules in a crossover design. Propranolol dosage is gradually increased over three weeks and then continued for a total of 9 weeks. MRI scans are performed during both treatment periods.

Multiple visits including MRI scans at baseline and during treatment

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, Missouri, United States, 65212

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Research Team

D

David Beversdorf, MD

J

Jessica Call

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Model

CROSSOVER

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

2

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Published Research Related To This Trial

Effects of propranolol on conversational reciprocity in autism spectrum disorder: a pilot, double-blind, single-dose psychopharmacological challenge study.

Rachel M Zamzow, Bradley J Ferguson, Janine P Stichter...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26762378