Clinical Trial Awareness: 5 Alzheimer’s Trials That Could Shape Tomorrow’s Treatment
More than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease accounts for over 60–70% of those cases. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Early symptoms—like forgetfulness or confusion—often go unnoticed or misattributed to normal aging. As the disease advances, it gradually takes away a person’s independence and deeply affects their families and caregivers. The biological complexity of Alzheimer’s, with its combination of amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and brain inflammation, makes developing effective treatments a profound scientific challenge.
Timely access to clinical trials is one of the most promising paths forward. At TrialX, our AI-powered Trial Finder connects patients and families with relevant clinical trials near them. Below, we spotlight five cutting-edge clinical trials that represent hope for Alzheimer’s patients and families—and the future of Alzheimer’s care.
1. Digital Detection of Dementia: Using AI and Routine Care to Detect Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia Earlier
Sponsor: Indiana University
What It’s Testing—and Why It Matters
The D3 study is exploring whether dementia can be detected earlier using tools already embedded into routine doctor visits. It compares three approaches during Medicare’s Annual Wellness Visit (AWV):
- Standard AWV
- AWV + a Passive Digital Marker (PDM)
- AWV + PDM + the Quick Dementia Rating Scale (QDRS)
The PDM is an AI algorithm that reviews years of patient data (diagnoses, prescriptions, notes) to predict Alzheimer’s and related dementias (ADRD) 1–3 years before symptoms show. The QDRS is a quick patient or caregiver-reported checklist that captures early signs.
Over 50% of Americans with dementia go undiagnosed, and for those who are diagnosed, it often comes too late. This study offers a chance to bring low-cost, non-invasive early detection into everyday care, especially where advanced diagnostics aren’t available.
Why It Stands Out
- Brings AI-powered detection to standard primary care
- Includes diverse, underserved communities
- Requires no invasive procedures or special equipment
What It Means for Patients
If successful, this approach could help patients and families receive earlier answers and start planning sooner, without extra appointments, testing, or costs. Just your regular wellness visit, made smarter.
Locations
- Eskenazi Health, Central Indiana
- Primary care practices across South Florida
Check out your eligibility here.
2. A Breakthrough Trial to Slow Down or Prevent Alzheimer’s in Genetically At-Risk Individuals – DIAN-TU-001
Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine
What It’s Testing—and Why It Matters
The DIAN-TU-001 trial is a one-of-a-kind global platform study designed to test whether investigational drugs can slow or prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease in people who carry specific, rare, inherited genetic mutations. These mutations—found in genes like PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP—are known to cause Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Disease (DIAD) and have an almost 100% chance of leading to early-onset dementia, often striking individuals in their 30s to 50s.
The trial evaluates how well these experimental treatments work in improving biological markers (like amyloid or tau protein levels in the brain), cognitive function, and clinical symptoms. What makes this trial especially significant is its preventive approach: many participants are asymptomatic but genetically predisposed to develop Alzheimer’s. This allows researchers to test whether treatment at the earliest possible stages, even before memory problems begin, can delay or halt disease progression. It’s a rare opportunity to understand the disease process long before it becomes visible.
Why It Stands Out
This global trial is enrolling individuals who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s before any symptoms appear, offering a rare opportunity to study prevention at the earliest stage. It focuses on families affected by dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease (DIAD), a devastating yet scientifically valuable form due to its predictable genetics. The platform design tests multiple drugs under one protocol, speeding insights and comparisons. It also uses advanced PET scans, MRIs, and fluid biomarkers to detect the earliest brain changes, making it one of the most ambitious and geographically diverse prevention efforts to date.
What It Means for Patients and Families
For those who carry or are at risk for inherited Alzheimer’s mutations, this trial offers access to advanced clinical monitoring, possible access to novel treatments, and an empowering opportunity to contribute to the future of Alzheimer’s research. Importantly, individuals do not need to know their genetic status to participate, ensuring that family members can enroll without facing the emotional burden of genetic testing unless they choose to.
This study could pave the way for future therapies that prevent Alzheimer’s in broader populations, making this work relevant far beyond those with familial forms of the disease.
Locations– The study is active across 38 international sites.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
3. Targeting Tau to Slow Early Alzheimer’s – BMS-986446
Sponsor: Bristol-Myers Squibb
What It’s Testing—and Why It Matters
This Phase 2 study is evaluating BMS-986446, an investigational anti-MTBR tau monoclonal antibody, in people with early Alzheimer’s disease (AD)—specifically those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild AD dementia. The therapy targets tau proteins in the microtubule-binding region (MTBR), where abnormal tau buildup disrupts brain function and accelerates memory loss.
Most current Alzheimer’s therapies focus on amyloid plaques, but emerging research shows that tau buildup more closely tracks with cognitive decline. By blocking abnormal tau activity earlier in the disease process, this study aims to preserve memory, thinking skills, and independence.
Why It Stands Out
- One of the few clinical trials focused specifically on tau pathology, rather than amyloid
- Targets the MTBR segment of tau—thought to be critical in how the protein spreads across brain regions
- Enrolls people in the earliest symptomatic stages, when treatment may have the greatest potential impact
What It Means for Patients
Participants will undergo comprehensive assessments, including memory tests and brain imaging, and receive either the investigational antibody or placebo. If BMS-986446 proves effective, it could delay symptom progression, giving patients more time with better cognitive function and quality of life.
This trial is open to adults aged 50–80 with confirmed Alzheimer’s biomarkers and mild memory symptoms.
Location- Multisite study with locations across the U.S. and globally.
Explore and see if you are eligible here.
4. Exploring Early Intervention for Alzheimer’s – TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 3
Sponsor: Eli Lilly and Company
What It’s Testing—and Why It Matters
This large Phase 3 clinical trial is testing donanemab—a monoclonal antibody that targets amyloid plaques in the brain—in people who show early biological signs of Alzheimer’s, but haven’t yet developed symptoms like memory loss or confusion. These individuals are considered to have preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.
Most Alzheimer’s research has focused on people already experiencing cognitive decline. This trial flips the script by aiming to intervene earlier, when treatments may have the best chance to protect long-term brain health. The study also includes an extension to test a new titration (dose adjustment) strategy to improve safety.
Why It Stands Out
- Focuses on participants before memory symptoms appear—true primary prevention
- Uses blood and brain biomarkers (amyloid and tau) to confirm eligibility, ensuring precision targeting
- Includes 800 additional participants to explore optimal dosing, paving the way for real-world treatment use
What It Means for Patients
Eligible participants will undergo memory testing, brain scans, and blood work to confirm early AD-related changes. If selected, they’ll receive donanemab or placebo through IV infusions and be closely monitored for changes over time.
For participants, this could mean preserving cognitive abilities for years to come—and potentially changing the entire trajectory of the disease. The study also offers participants and their families early access to biomarker-based Alzheimer’s risk insights, which are not typically available in routine care.
Location– This is a global, multisite trial, with participating centers across the U.S. and internationally.
5. Targeting Tau and Amyloid Together in Early Alzheimer’s – E2814 + Lecanemab
Sponsor: Eisai Inc
What It’s Testing—and Why It Matters
This Phase 2 study investigates whether combining E2814 (an anti-tau monoclonal antibody) with lecanemab (an FDA-approved anti-amyloid antibody) offers a more effective approach to treating early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. While lecanemab clears harmful amyloid-beta plaques, E2814 is designed to block the spread of toxic tau proteins, especially a form called MTBR-tau-243, which accumulates later and contributes directly to neuron damage.
Alzheimer’s is driven by two main pathologies—amyloid and tau—but most treatments have focused on just one. By targeting both, this study aims to interrupt the disease at multiple points, potentially slowing its progression more effectively than current therapies.
Why It Stands Out
- One of the few trials testing a dual-pathway approach, addressing both amyloid and tau
- Uses biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to precisely track treatment impact on tau
- Participants are monitored over 18 months, offering a detailed view of brain and clinical changes over time
What It Means for Patients
Eligible participants—ages 50 to 80 with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s dementia—will receive a combination treatment via infusion along with lumbar punctures to assess tau protein levels. If successful, this trial could pave the way for next-generation combination therapies that better protect memory and function in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
Participants also benefit from close monitoring, brain scans, and memory testing, contributing to the science while accessing advanced care.
Location– Multisite study across the U.S. and internationally
Interested in Contributing to Alzheimer’s Research?
If you or a loved one is considering joining an Alzheimer’s clinical trial, you can find matching studies at TrialX.com. You may also choose to register in our volunteer registry to be notified about future studies that align with your health profile. For trusted information, support, and educational tools, we encourage you to visit resources such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, or the American Brain Foundation.
