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Research studies sex hormone link to Alzheimer's disease MUSC is testing an innovative approach to Alzheimer’s research that directly links the disease to reductions in sex hormones in men of advanced years or postmenopausal women and destroys brain cells.  The South Carolina Alzheimer’s Research at MUSC is participating in a new clinical trial to test a drug that may improve cognitive function and slow the progression of the disease.  MUSC is one of seven sites in the U.S. conducting this trial and is the only site in the Carolinas. Voyager Pharmaceutical Corporation, an emerging Raleigh, N.C., biotechnology firm sponsors the Aladdin study. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of leuprolide, an FDA-approved drug for treating hormone-related conditions, as a treatment for Alzheimer’s. Leuprolide reduces compounds in the body called gonadotropins, which are elevated among individuals with Alzheimer’s.  “This drug offers a possible change in the treatment model for Alzheimer’s disease,” said Jacobo Mintzer, M.D., principal investigator and co-director of MUSC Alzheimer’s Research and Clinical Programs.  The one-year, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study is seeking men 65 years of age or older with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s in mild to moderate stages. The trial has a minimal number of conditions limiting eligibility for participation and special consideration has been given to other conditions commonly associated with Alzheimer’s. Study participants may remain on their current medications, as well as standard therapies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s.  A total of 90 participants is needed. Two different doses of the study medication are being tested, so most participants (67 percent) will receive the active study medication. The sponsor has agreed to continue to provide the study medication at the conclusion of the research period, should participants experience the clinical improvement this phase II trial hopes to elicit. For information about the trial, call 740-1592.     Friday, May 7, 2004 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.