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Could a vitamin B3 pill help fight Alzheimer's? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT06582706
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether a common vitamin, niacin (nicotinic acid), can get into the brain fluid of people with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will give 30 adults aged 60-85 with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's a single 500 mg dose of extended-release niacin or a placebo. The main goal is to measure niacin levels in blood and spinal fluid, not to treat the disease, but to see if the drug reaches its target in the brain.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1/2
Runs two stages together: safety and dose first, then whether the treatment works.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Dec 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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60 to 85 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Age 60-85 males or females Clinically have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in the mild-moderate dementia range Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) between 14-24 inclusive Must be on a stable dose (30 days minimum) of a cholinesterase inhibitor and/or memantine (or absence thereof) Have a reliable co-participant who has at least 3 days of face-to-face contact per week with the patient and ensures medical compliance with the study drug. Neuroimaging (MRI or CT scan of the brain) should be available within 1 year of screening Exclusion Criteria: Any contraindication to clinical lumbar puncture including increased intracranial pressure, posterior fossa mass, bleeding diathesis, use of antiplatelet medications other than aspirin, use of any anticoagulant Severe cerebrovascular disease History of large territory stroke Allergy or sensitivity to B-vitamins or nicotinic acid History of elevated liver function tests (ALT/AST \> 2x the upper limit of normal) or known liver disease Current consumption of Vitamin B3 (any form, including nicotinic acid) - including multivitamins and energy drinks. Participants taking a supplement containing Niacin must washout for 4 weeks prior to screening to participate. Renal impairment of Stage 2 or greater
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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IU Health Neuroscience Center
RECRUITINGIndianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
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