Volunteers sought for Alzheimer’s drug study

Monday, Sept. 9, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Southern Nevadans suffering from Alzheimer's disease may participate in a nationwide study of the drug Tacrine GITS.

The medication stimulates the body's production of acetylcholine, a chemical vital to proper memory and awareness functions. It differs from Tacrine already on the market in that it needs only one-a-day doses. That means fewer side effects.

The study will be conducted locally by Dr. Charles Bernick, associate professor of neurology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.

Men and women 41 and older with diagnosed Alzheimer's disease of mild to moderate severity are eligible. Volunteers must be generally healthy, have an involved and accessible caregiver and a commitment to visit the Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Center six times during a four-month period.

Volunteers will be screened to determine final eligibility to participate in the study, which is free.

To volunteer, call registered nurse Gail Vranesh at the center at 474-0532.

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