Project details

Summary

What is the study about?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease in which patients show gradual impairment of cognition that affects their ability to learn new material, and eventually to carry out daily tasks. 

Little is known about how and why Alzheimer's disease develops. Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is difficult, particularly in early stages of the disease, and largely consists of pen and paper tests and brain scans. There are no cures for Alzheimer's disease and there are limited options for treating the symptoms of the disease at the moment.

StrataStem has developed a way of creating brain cells from blood cells to model the disease. They can now make working brain cells from your donated blood cells, so all you need to give is a blood sample. 

What are you trying to find out?

Scientists at StrataStem Ltd will conduct the research. StrataStem Ltd is a UK registered company that specialises in the cell biology of Alzheimer’s disease and is looking at new methods of early diagnosis and in identifying new drugs to treat the disease.

The aim of the study is to create new neurons (brain cells). This will then allow us to study the genes involved in dementia. The overall aim of the research is to help us understand the biology behind Alzheimer’s disease and, potentially, identify new drugs to treat the disease.

What does taking part involve?

The research involves a one-off visit. This can be done in the hospital clinic or from your home. It will last approximately one hour. 

A blood sample of 20mls (less than 2 tablespoons) will be taken by a nurse or doctor trained in phlebotomy (taking blood) if you give consent. We will also ask you to fill in a clinical history and lifestyle questionnaire. 

The sample will then be processed in a laboratory by scientific technicians to produce brain stem cells. We call these brain cells a ‘neurons in a dish’ model. These stem cells will be used by our researchers and researchers all over the world who wish to collaborate with StrataStem.

Who is it for?

• Male or female, over 65 years of age, with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
• Male or female, over 65 years of age, who are otherwise healthy (controls)

Why is it important?

The research will increase our knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and stem cell research, in general. 

Your participation in this study will allow us to develop a stem cell “tool” or “model”. This “model” with brain cells developed from people with Alzheimer disease, will help investigate disease progression, genetics and cellular pathways. 

This will help to give a clearer understanding of how the disease starts and progresses. The cell models we will develop will also help find potential drugs for treatment of the disease, which can be tested on cells to see if they are effective.

The overall aim of the research is to help us understand the biology behind Alzheimer’s disease and, potentially, identify new drugs to treat the disease.

How can I find out more?

You can find out more information about taking part in this study by downloading the key documents at the top of this page.

If you are interested in taking part in this study, or have questions for the research team, click the button below to email us:

Email the research team