There’s still so much we don’t know about Alzheimer’s disease, but researchers are working to find new solutions for patients, including the use of an existing drug to lessen the impact of the disease.

Metformin is a drug used to help people with diabetes. But it has potential to help people with memory loss, and researchers are looking for people to help with a study to see the impact metformin can have.

“Even though there's no cure, there's still a lot we can do. And our goal is to help you maintain the highest quality of life for as long as possible. And this is just one little step in that process,” said Dr. Sharon Brangman, director of the Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease at SUNY Upstate.

She’s one piece of a nationwide study called MAP, Metformin in Alzheimer’s Dementia Prevention.

What You Need To Know

  • A nationwide study is examining if metformin can have an impact on memory loss

  • Participants will take metformin or a placebo, and then peridocially check in over 18 months

  • More people are needed to complete this study

“We know our brains are very sensitive to sugar. And so that is why when people have diabetes, which is our body's way of having trouble breaking down sugars and using them, we know that when people have that problem, they tend to have a higher risk for dementia or cognitive slowing,” said Brangman.

Study participants will take metformin or a placebo. Before participating, they will do memory activities, have a physical exam and take a blood test. They need more study participants, but you don’t need an Alzheimer’s diagnosis to join the study.

“We're looking for people who have very mild concerns about their memory, because we want to see if this drug has an impact in preventing further decline,” said Brangman.

The 18-month study is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging, and by the end, they’ll have more information about how effective it will be to use metformin to prevent cognitive decline. Enrollment ends in September.

“So we have a lot of people who say that Alzheimer's disease is a horrible disease. There's currently no cure, but I want to participate so that I can make it better for my grandchildren,” said Brangman.

They need people ages 55 to 90 who have some concerns about their memory, don’t have diabetes and aren’t taking metformin.

New Yorkers can participate in the study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse or the University at Buffalo.

Anyone that would like to participate in this study can head to their website.