Alzheimer's & MCI Research Study

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are conducting a study to evaluate whether the FDA-approved medication emtricitabine can reduce brain inflammation and slow disease progression in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease as part of a six-month clinical trial.

Fast Facts

Ages 50-85

Experiencing Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's

Compensation Provided

Conducted in Los Angeles, CA

Study Background

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai are studying whether the FDA-approved medication emtricitabine can reduce brain inflammation and slow progression in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment or mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease during a six-month trial.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurological condition that primarily affects memory and thinking skills, with its risk increasing as people age. Due to longer life expectancies, AD has become a growing challenge, both for individuals and society, as it is now the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Despite years of research, there is still no cure, which highlights the urgent need for new treatments to help manage the condition and slow its progression.

This study, conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, aims to explore whether the FDA-approved medication emtricitabine can reduce brain inflammation and potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Over six months, participants will take either the study medication or a placebo daily and undergo various health assessments to evaluate the medication’s effectiveness. By targeting brain inflammation, this research hopes to uncover a new treatment approach for people with mild cognitive impairment or mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Join our compensated study today!

Study Background

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai are studying whether the FDA-approved medication emtricitabine can reduce brain inflammation and slow progression in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment or mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease during a six-month trial.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurological condition that primarily affects memory and thinking skills, with its risk increasing as people age. Due to longer life expectancies, AD has become a growing challenge, both for individuals and society, as it is now the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Despite years of research, there is still no cure, which highlights the urgent need for new treatments to help manage the condition and slow its progression.

This study, conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, aims to explore whether the FDA-approved medication emtricitabine can reduce brain inflammation and potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Over six months, participants will take either the study medication or a placebo daily and undergo various health assessments to evaluate the medication’s effectiveness. By targeting brain inflammation, this research hopes to uncover a new treatment approach for people with mild cognitive impairment or mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Join our compensated study today!

Additional Information

The study seeks to evaluate whether the FDA-approved medication emtricitabine can reduce brain inflammation and support slowing the progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease. This research aims to explore a potential new treatment option for a condition that affects many individuals as they age.

You may qualify for the study if you/the person you care for meets the following criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 50-85
  • Diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s
  • Intellectually, visually, and auditory capable, fluent in and able to read the language in which study assessments are administered


Exclusion Criteria:

  • Neurological condition (e.g., Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, syphilis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
  • Drug Dependence
  • No history of or active hepatitis or HIV infection

If you participate in this study, here is what you can expect:

  1. Screening and Eligibility: You will be assessed to confirm your eligibility for the study.
  2. Study Visits: You will attend approximately 11 visits to the clinic over six months.
  3. Assessments and Procedures: These visits will include blood work, a physical exam, memory tests, a brain MRI, and a lumbar puncture.
  4. Medication: You will be randomly assigned to take either the study medication (emtricitabine) or a placebo daily for six months.
  5. Study Partner: You will need a study partner who can accompany you to the visits and provide support throughout the study.

Participants will be paid for each research study visit.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.