Managing Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease

Exploring New Approaches to Agitation in Alzheimer's Disease

Understanding Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease

Many individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease experience agitation, which can cause distress for both the person affected and their caregivers. Agitation may appear as changes in behavior, mood, or reactions to daily situations and can significantly impact quality of life.

If you or a loved one has been experiencing symptoms of agitation for two weeks or longer, you may qualify for one of our Alzheimer’s research studies.

What Does Agitation Look Like?

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

• Restlessness, pacing, or an inability to sit still.
• Increased irritability, frustration, or impatience.
• Verbal outbursts such as yelling, arguing, or repeated complaints.
• Physical behaviors such as resisting care, grabbing, or pushing.
• Sleep disturbances or increased confusion, particularly in the late afternoon or evening (“sundowning”).

About the Studies and Medication

Researchers are studying medications that are FDA-approved for other conditions or have demonstrated safety in previous clinical use. These studies are designed to determine whether these treatments may also help reduce agitation symptoms and improve overall well-being in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Participant safety is closely monitored throughout the study by qualified medical and research professionals.

What to Expect

If you choose to participate, the study may include:

• Regular clinic visits and some phone check-ins.
• A physical exam and electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Blood and urine samples.
• Brain imaging (MRI or CT scan, if not done within the past 5 years).

Transportation and parking stipends are available.

Who Can Participate?

You or your loved one may be eligible if you:

• Are 55 years of age or older.
• Have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Have experienced symptoms of agitation for at least two weeks.
• Have a caregiver who can attend all study visits.
• Are willing to participate in both in-person visits and phone check-ins.

Participation is voluntary, and you may leave the study at any time.

Why Participate?

As a volunteer for this study, you will:

• Receive all study-related visits, assessments, and testing at no cost.
• Be compensated for each completed study visit.
• Receive study-related care and monitoring from an experienced clinical research team.
• Play an important role in advancing research that may improve care for future patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s.

Meet Your Clinical Research Team

Antonio L. Teixeira, MD, PhD