BenfoTeam Study

The BenfoTeam clinical research trial aims to increase the amount of thiamine (Vitamin B1) in the brain to slow cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The trial is designed for people who are aged 50 to 89, and are experiencing significant memory concerns, or who have already been diagnosed with MCI or mild AD. This stage of the disease, MCI through mild AD, is also known as early AD.

Basic criteria for eligibilty include:

• Aged 50 to 89
• Diagnosed with early AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD or probable mild AD
• Stable on current FDA-approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (with or without memantine) for at least three months prior to screening
• Living in the community (not in a long-term care nursing facility)
• Willing to participate in the BenfoTeam study for up to 18 months (plus screening)

What Happens During the BenfoTeam Study?

Trial participation will take up to 18 months. Potential participants will first go through the screening process to see if they are eligible to take part in the clinical trial. Half of the participants are given the study drug, benfotiamine, and half are given an inactive pill (called a placebo) to take twice daily.

Screening includes: memory and thinking tests, blood tests, EKGs (a look at your heart rhythms), and MRI scans (a picture of your brain that shows changes related to AD).