Background: Alzheimer disease (AD) may be caused by the toxic accumulation of beta-amyloid (Abeta).
Objective: To test this theory, we developed a clinical intervention using clioquinol, a metal-protein-attenuating compound (MPAC) that inhibits zinc and copper ions from binding to Abeta, thereby promoting Abeta dissolution and diminishing its toxic properties.
Methods: A pilot phase 2 clinical trial in patients with moderately severe Alzheimer disease.
Results: Thirty-six subjects were randomized. The effect of treatment was significant in the more severely affected ...