MONASH University researchers are conducting a clinical trial to assess a potential treatment for behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), a rare but devastating condition affecting individuals as young as 35, including US actor Bruce Willis.
Unlike other dementias, such as Alzheimer's, bvFTD currently has no effective treatments.
However, a new drug, sodium selenate, has shown promise.
In a 2022 study, the drug was found to be safe and well-tolerated by bvFTD patients.
Now, researchers are taking the next step: assessing the drug's impact on brain function.
Neuroscientists Prof Terence O'Brien and Dr Lucy Vivash are leading the phase 2b clinical trial.
"This is an internationally unique trial that could bring the first disease-modifying treatment for this currently untreatable neurodegenerative disease," Prof O'Brien said.
Over 52 weeks, half of the 120 participants will receive sodium selenate, while the other half will receive a placebo.
The clinical trial will measure changes in brain volume, tau protein levels, cognitive decline, and behavioural shifts.
He also mentioned that sodium selenate, while not as inexpensive as aspirin, is far more affordable than other dementia treatments currently on the market.
To find out more and express interest in joining the clinical trial, email selenate@alfred.org.au or CLICK HERE. JG
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