A new clinical trial will assess the effectiveness of a twice-a-day capsule to reduce agitation in people with dementia.
University of the Sunshine Coast will conduct the 10-week trial of the potential treatment at its Birtinya centre on the Sunshine Coast.
Principal Investigator Dr , said agitation was a common and challenging symptom for both people with dementia and their caregivers.
“Dementia represents a huge unmet health need, with 421,000 Australians currently living with the condition. In late-stage dementia, agitation and aggression are common symptoms, affecting approximately 76 percent of individuals,” Dr de Wet said.
“While it is not a normal part of ageing, it occurs more commonly in older people.
“This treatment may have the potential to offer relief to individuals and families dealing with agitation and related behaviours associated with various types of dementia.
“There is currently only one drug approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for treating agitation in dementia.”
Clinical trials coordinator for the study, Lindley Mattiazzi said participants would be asked to attend five clinic visits, participate in one phone call, and take the capsule orally twice-a-day for four weeks.
“The study is a double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Participants and their treating team of doctors and nurses won’t know whether they are receiving active treatment or a placebo,” Ms Mattiazzi said.
“We’re looking for participants from 50 to 90 years of age and weighing at least 45kg. They must have been diagnosed with dementia and experience agitation two or more times per week.”
Participants also must have a consenting caregiver who can attend all clinic visits with them. The carer must care for the participant on an almost daily basis and be able to provide accurate information regarding behavioural symptoms.
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