Alzheimer's drug donepezil may help prevent fractures, study suggests.

NCT ID NCT06041789

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Duke University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at whether donepezil, a common Alzheimer's medication, can improve bone density and reduce fracture risk in older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer's. Researchers will compare donepezil to another drug, memantine, over 12 months in 45 participants. The goal is to understand if donepezil has bone-protective effects beyond its cognitive benefits.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Donepezil (compared to memantine)
What this could lead to: If donepezil improves bone health, it could point toward a way to lower fracture risk in people with Alzheimer's.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 45 participants. It measures bone markers, not actual fractures, so results may not lead to a proven treatment.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease osteoporosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Duke Memory Disorders Clinic
RECRUITING

Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States

Contact

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