What is it and what does it include?
This study used several different tests to measure the effect of Semagacestat on both β-amyloid and amyloid plaques for some participants. The build-up of amyloid plaques was measured by a brain scan that takes a picture of amyloid plaques in the brain. Other tests measured the overall function of the brain and brain size in some participants. In this trial, participants who initially received placebo were, at a certain point in the study, switched over to active drug, Semagacestat.
How can I use this dataset to advance my research?
This dataset is ideal if:
- you’re studying the effect of Semagacestat on both β-amyloid and amyloid plaques in individuals who meet criteria for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- you’re interested in studying changes in brain volume over time in patients with mild to moderate AD who are taking Semagacestat and placebo.
- you’re tracking changes in cognition and function in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease as they undergo daily doses of Semagacestat and placebo.
Has this dataset helped researchers understand Alzheimer’s and other dementias better?
Of course!
- AD & Cognitive and Functional impairment:
In 2015, analyses from three databases (included this one) indicated cognitive decline precedes and predicts subsequent functional decline in mild AD dementia, consistent with previously proposed hypotheses, and corroborate recent publications using similar methodologies. Cognitive impairment may be used as a predictor of future functional impairment in mild AD dementia and can be considered a critical target for prevention strategies to limit future functional decline in the dementia process. April 2015 – DOI: 10.3233/JAD-142508
- AD & Clinical trials, Cognitive and Functional impairment:
In 2013, researchers found that, as compared with placebo, Semagacestat did not improve cognitive status, and patients receiving the higher dose had significant worsening of functional ability. Semagacestat was associated with more adverse events, including skin cancers and infections. July 2013 – DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1210951