Using Nabilone to Treat Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Full study title: Nabilone for Agitation Blinded Intervention Trial (NAB-IT)
What is the study about?
This study will test nabilone as a treatment for agitation in persons living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nabilone is a Health Canada approved medication that is based on Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),a chemical from the cannabis (marijuana) plant. It is commonly used to treat severe nausea and vomiting. Participants in this study will randomly be assigned to receive either nabilone medication or a non-active treatment (i.e. placebo) for 9 weeks. This study will look at how nabilone helps with agitation, overall behavioural symptoms, caregiver difficulties, thinking and memory, nutritional status, and pain.
Eligibility–Who can participate?
Participants must:
- Be 55 years of age or older
- Have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
- Have agitation
- Have a caregiver to accompany them to study visits and participate in the study
Time requirement:
The total study period is 9 weeks.
There will be 6 visits approximately every 2 weeks. Many of the study assessments can be completed remotely. Nabilone and placebo will be in the form of oral pills, participants will be given pill bottles at each study.
Study Video
Advances in Dementia Research Webinar- Listen to Dr. Krista L. Lanctôt (Principal Investigator) discuss the NAB-IT study in further detail:
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Disclaimer
The listing of a study on the TDRA’s Research Studies Portal is for informational purposes only. The safety, efficacy or scientific validity of the studies listed here have not been evaluated by The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) or the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance (TDRA). The TDRA is an academic coalition among the University of Toronto and Baycrest, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the University Health Network. The information collected will be kept and guarded by TDRA. Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Before you participate in a study, you should make sure you understand the risks and potential benefits and discuss all options with your health care provider(s).