USF Suncoast Gerontology Center tests potential of high-dose vitamin regimen to slow Alzheimer's disease progression

Tampa, FL (Feb. 18, 2004) -- The University of South Florida's Suncoast Gerontology Center is testing whether reducing homocysteine levels with high-dose vitamin supplements can slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's disease.

USF is one of 30 sites across the country -- the only one in West Central Florida -- enrolling patients for the national Vitamins to Slow Alzheimer's (VITAL) trial. The 18-month randomized, controlled, multi-center study is sponsored by the National Institute on Aging.

High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, have long been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Recent studies indicate high levels of homocysteine in the blood are also associated with higher incidences and greater severity of Alzheimer's disease in humans. In addition, studies in laboratory animals demonstrated that high doses of folic acid and the vitamins B6 and B12 can reduce levels of homocysteine.

"This study will determine whether high doses of these same inexpensive and well-tolerated vitamins could benefit humans who already have Alzheimer's disease," said psychiatrist Eric Pfeiffer, MD, director of the Suncoast Gerontology Center and principal investigator of the VITAL study at the USF College of Medicine. "We hope by bringing down their levels of homocysteine, we can reduce memory loss and slow disease progression."

The researchers will compare two groups of patients -- 60 percent will receive daily high-dose supplements (5 mg. of folate, 25 mg. of vitamin B6 and 1 mg. of vitamin B12) and the other 40 percent will get an identical-looking placebo.

The study is seeking patients, age 55 and older, diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Study participants must already be taking one of the four drugs approved for treatment of Alzheimer's disease - Aricept, Reminyl, Exelon or Memantine.
For more information, please call study coordinator Jennifer Pilger at 1-800-633-4563.

- USF -

Responding to demand from Tampa's community leaders, the University of South Florida College of Medicine was established by the Florida Legislature in 1965. Part of the USF Health Sciences Center, doctors and researchers were awarded nearly $88 million in grants and contracts last year. Providing advanced medical care, USF Physicians Group at the College of Medicine is the largest doctor group in West Central Florida offering expert medical care throughout Tampa Bay's finest hospitals such as Tampa General Hospital, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center and All Children's Hospital. With a reputation for training high performing clinical physicians, the College is proud that more than half of its physician-graduates remain in Florida to practice medicine.