SIMI VALLEY : Doctor to Join Study of Alzheimer Drug

A Simi Valley physician has been selected to participate in a nationwide study of an experimental new drug for Alzheimer’s patients, officials said Monday.

Dr. Rajee Ananda, a neurologist at Simi Valley Hospital, is one of about 200 doctors who will participate in the study by drug manufacturer Parke-Davis, hospital spokeswoman Sandra Van said.

“They wanted a neurologist who had an interest in Alzheimer’s disease,” Ananda said of Parke-Davis officials. “So they approached me.”

Ananda said she was excited about the new drug, Tacrine, because it has given some hope to those afflicted with the disease. As of now, she said, physicians can offer no other medication to help Alzheimer’s patients.

“I’m excited because it’s something to offer people,” she said. “There are some people who are very anxious to try anything.”

During the next two weeks, Ananda said, she will screen 50 to 100 potential candidates for the study. She said she needs at least 10 people to participate in the six-week program.

Patients will have to meet certain physical requirements to qualify for the study, she said. Medication will be provided free of charge to participants.

Alzheimer’s disease, which mostly afflicts the elderly, strikes at the central nervous system and causes mental deterioration. The drug Tacrine enhances levels of certain chemicals in the brain that affect memory.

Ananda said that only patients who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s will be allowed to join in the study.

Those interested in participating in the drug test should contact Simi Valley Hospital.