Testosterone to treat Alzheimer's
Thursday, 17 January 2013
Professor Ralph Martins will lead the study
An Edith Cowan University (ECU) researcher has been awarded half a million dollars to conduct a world-first clinical trial, using testosterone and fish oil, to prevent or postpone Alzheimer’s disease.
ECU Chair in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease and Director at the Perth-based McCusker Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Professor Ralph Martins was awarded $500,000 by the West Australian State Government.
Internationally-renowned Professor Martins will lead the study at the McCusker Alzheimer’s Foundation. He will be trialling the use of testosterone and fish oil in preventing and delaying the progress of Alzheimer’s with 400 WA men over the age of 60 who have experienced memory problems.
Professor Martins said the new treatment was aimed at getting in early before any primary damage to brain cells has occurred.
“It is not going to be a magic bullet, but if we can reduce it by 10 or 15 per cent that would be excellent,” Professor Martins said.
There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that both testosterone and fish oil are beneficial in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease but a clinical trial investigating both substances used together has never been done before.
To volunteer, or for more information, contact the McCusker Alzheimer’s Research Foundation on 9347 4200 or email trial@alzheimers.com.au