Aberdeen has become the first site in Scotland to recruit volunteers for a major international study exploring whether Alzheimer's disease can be delayed or prevented before symptoms appear.
Recruitment is now underway at Scottish Brain Sciences' research centre within Aberdeen's ONE BioHub, placing the city at the forefront of a global effort to tackle Alzheimer's disease earlier than ever before. Aberdeen is the first location in Scotland to open recruitment, with a second SBS research centre at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in Edinburgh due to begin recruiting participants in the coming days.
The PrevenTRON study is seeking cognitively healthy adults aged 55 to 80 who may be at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Researchers hope to discover whether treating the disease during its earliest biological stages could delay or prevent memory problems and dementia later in life.
Participants will undergo health checks, blood tests and memory and thinking assessments. Those who are eligible will then be randomly assigned to receive either the investigational treatment or a placebo.
The opening of recruitment marks a significant milestone for Aberdeen and the north-east, reinforcing the region's growing reputation for life sciences, clinical research and health innovation. The study is being delivered by Scottish Brain Sciences in partnership with Roche, with imaging support provided by the University of Aberdeen.
Commenting, ONE Director of Life Sciences Lorna Duguid, said: "Scottish Brain Sciences choosing ONE BioHub for Scotland's first PrevenTRON site reflects the strength of the life sciences cluster taking shape in the north east.
"With deep regional expertise in neuroscience and next-generation imaging, and the University of Aberdeen, NHS Grampian and clinical research facilities all on the doorstep, ONE BioHub offers globally significant studies like this everything they need to run from Aberdeen. It's a proud moment for the region and another sign of just how much is happening here."
Professor Craig Ritchie, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Scottish Brain Sciences, said: "Alzheimer's disease can begin silently many years before symptoms appear, long before anyone notices issues with memory or thinking. This study is asking whether treating the disease earlier could help delay or even prevent symptoms developing later in life.
"We're incredibly proud that Aberdeen is leading Scotland's involvement in this global study as the first site in the country to open recruitment. It gives people across this region the chance to take part in research that could help shape the future of Alzheimer's prevention for generations to come."
Rob Mitchell, from Inverness, whose father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, is enrolling in the study. He said:
"Having seen first-hand what Alzheimer's can do to someone you love, the idea that research could one day delay or prevent those symptoms is hugely significant. It could be transformational."
"When my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I felt a huge sense of helplessness. Taking part in research is something we can actively do, something positive and something to be proud of."
Researchers stress that PrevenTRON is an investigational clinical study, and it is not yet known whether the study treatment will delay or prevent symptoms from developing. The purpose of the trial is to answer that question.
People interested in learning more about the study and whether they may be eligible to participate can contact Scottish Brain Sciences for further information at www.brainsciences.scot.