Levetiracetam for Alzheimer's Disease Risk

(ALEVIATE-2 Trial)

This trial tests whether tiny doses of levetiracetam can reduce unusual brain activity in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease. It targets those with memory complaints who have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer's but still perform well on memory tests. Participants will receive both the drug and a placebo (a sugar pill) in different sequences to determine which is more effective. Individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's and memory concerns might find this Toronto-based trial suitable. As a Phase 2 trial, it measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, providing an opportunity to contribute to important research.

You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, methotrexate, and anticholinergic agents, as they are not allowed during the study. It's best to discuss your current medications with the study team to see if any changes are needed.

Research has shown that levetiracetam is generally safe for people with Alzheimer's disease. One study found that participants experienced no significant negative effects from using this drug. Another study confirmed that Alzheimer's patients without a history of seizures tolerated levetiracetam well. These findings suggest that the medication is safe for humans, with reports showing no major side effects. Overall, the evidence indicates that levetiracetam is a safe option for people with Alzheimer's disease.¹²³⁴⁵

Levetiracetam is unique because, unlike most treatments for Alzheimer's disease that focus on symptom management, it targets the underlying risk factors associated with the disease. Standard treatments like cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine primarily address memory and cognitive symptoms. In contrast, levetiracetam, traditionally used as an anti-seizure medication, is being explored for its potential to modify disease progression by stabilizing neuronal activity and possibly reducing neurodegeneration. Researchers are excited about its novel approach, hoping it could offer a new pathway to slowing or altering Alzheimer's disease development.

Research has shown that levetiracetam (LEV), a drug used to prevent seizures, might aid brain functions related to Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Some studies indicate that LEV can enhance spatial memory and executive function, which are types of thinking skills. In Alzheimer's patients with unusual brain activity, LEV improved thinking abilities. Animal studies demonstrated that LEV reduced abnormal brain signals and improved memory. These findings suggest that LEV could benefit those at risk for Alzheimer's by improving brain signaling and related thinking tasks. Participants in this trial will receive LEV in one phase and a placebo in another, allowing researchers to assess its potential benefits.²³⁴⁶⁷