Alzheimer Disease study: Nabilone
Official title Nabilone for Agitation Blinded Intervention Trial
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04516057
What this study is testing
What is Nabilone?
An investigational oral medication being studied as a potential treatment for agitation in Alzheimer's disease. It is designed to activate cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which may influence mood and behavior.
Also referred to as Cesamet.
Plain-language explanation of the investigational treatment. It is being studied and is not an approved or proven therapy. The study team can confirm the details.
- What it's testing
- The study wants to find out if nabilone can safely reduce agitation and improve overall brain‑related symptoms, caregiver stress, nutrition and pain in Alzheimer’s patients.
- Who it's for
- Adults with Alzheimer’s disease who are experiencing agitation.
- What's involved
- You will be randomly assigned to take either nabilone or a placebo for 8 weeks and will have regular check‑ups and simple tests to measure agitation, thinking ability, nutrition, pain and caregiver stress.
- Time commitment
- The trial lasts about 16 weeks total – 8 weeks of taking the study medication and another 8 weeks of follow‑up, with several clinic visits during that time.
- Phase 3: a large, late-stage study
- You might receive a placebo (an inactive treatment) instead of the study drug, decided by chance. You may not know which one you got.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 55 and older
You may be able to join if
- Males or females ≥55 years of age; females must be post-menopausal
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM 5) criteria for Major Neurocognitive Disorder due to AD.
- sMMSE ≤24
- Presence of clinically significant agitation based on the IPA definition
- If treated with cognitive-enhancing medications (cholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine), dosage must be stable for at least 3 months prior to...
You likely can't join if
- Change in psychotropic medications less than 1 week prior to study randomization (e.g., concomitant antidepressants)
- Contraindications to cannabinoids, e.g. allergies to cannabis and cannabis products, potential clinically important drug-drug interactions
- Current uncontrolled cardiovascular disease (e.g. uncontrolled hypertension, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia and severe heart failure), as per...
- Current significant liver disease, as per investigator assessment
- Presence or history of other psychiatric disorders or neurological conditions (e.g. psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, stroke, epilepsy)
- Participants currently meeting DSM 5 criteria for Major Depressive Episode (MDE)
See the full eligibility criteria
- Males or females ≥55 years of age; females must be post-menopausal
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM 5) criteria for Major Neurocognitive Disorder due to AD.
- sMMSE ≤24
- Presence of clinically significant agitation based on the IPA definition
- If treated with cognitive-enhancing medications (cholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine), dosage must be stable for at least 3 months prior to study randomization
- Availability of a primary caregiver to accompany the participant to study visits and to participate in the study.
- Change in psychotropic medications less than 1 week prior to study randomization (e.g., concomitant antidepressants)
- Contraindications to cannabinoids, e.g. allergies to cannabis and cannabis products, potential clinically important drug-drug interactions
- Current uncontrolled cardiovascular disease (e.g. uncontrolled hypertension, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia and severe heart failure), as per investigator assessment
- Current significant liver disease, as per investigator assessment
- Presence or history of other psychiatric disorders or neurological conditions (e.g. psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, stroke, epilepsy)
- Participants currently meeting DSM 5 criteria for Major Depressive Episode (MDE)
- Previous or current abuse of/dependence on marijuana
- Clinically significant delusions and/or hallucinations (NPI-NH delusion/hallucinations subscore ≥4)
- Reported recreational use of marijuana or other cannabis products within 3 months prior to study randomization
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- London, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 55 years and older. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Calgary, Alberta, Canada; London, Ontario, Canada; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Whitby, Ontario, Canada. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.