Be part of ground-breaking brain research.
We run a range of studies involving healthy volunteers, people living with Alzheimer’s disease or diagnosed with a mild cognitive impairment, and those concerned about memory or brain health.
Each study has its own purpose and eligibility criteria, but all share one goal — to improve understanding and treatment of brain conditions.
We match people to trials based on the eligibility criteria.
Current studies and trials
IONA Longitudinal Cohort Study (Scottish Brain Sciences)
The IONA LCS study is our own flagship study exploring risk factors and early signs of conditions that can lead to dementia. Participants in our IONA study can be matched to commercial trials.
- Who we’re looking for: People aged 70 + with no diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other mild cognitive impairment; People aged 50+ with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment or those with a family history of neurodegenerative disease.
- Study design: Baseline and ongoing biomarker and cognitive testing.
- Length of study: 10 years with an annual visit and 6 monthly telephone check-in.
- Location: Open for recruitment in Aberdeen and Edinburgh
Trontier study
Testing a new treatment (Trontinemab/WN45447) that aims to remove amyloid plaques in the brain. By reducing this build-up, the progression of Alzheimer’s disease may be slowed. The treatment is given by intravenous infusion.
- Who we’re looking for: Adults aged 50–90 recently diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease, or those under investigation by their doctor for memory concerns
- Study design: Participants receive the investigational drug through intravenous infusions
- Length of study: 18 months with around 25 visits needed. Not all visits require infusion.
- Location: Open for recruitment in Edinburgh
ReTain (Janssen)
The ReTain study is investigating a new treatment (JNJ-64042056) to assess whether it can help protect memory and thinking over time.
- Who we’re looking for: Adults aged 55–75 with no memory problems. Eligibility is determined via a blood test for the p-tau protein.
- Study design: Participants are randomly assigned to receive either the investigational drug or a placebo. Regular assessments take place to monitor brain and physical health.
- Length of study: Up to four years
- Location: Open for recruitment in Edinburgh
MK-2214 (MSD)
The MK-2214 study is testing a new treatment to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It is a Monoclonal Antibody, designed to target Tau progression and slow it down.
- Who we’re looking for: People aged 50-85 who have mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease
- Study design: Participants receive the drug or placebo through IV infusions every 4 weeks. A study partner is required. Participants will undergo typical screening processes, plus a MRI and PET scan (PET to take place in London).
- Length of study: Around two and half years
- Location: Open for recruitment in Aberdeen and Edinburgh
THN391 (Therini Bio)
The THN391 study is testing a new treatment to assess its safety, tolerability, and potential impact on memory and thinking in people with Alzheimer’s disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment who also have vascular health conditions.
- Who we’re looking for: People aged 65-85 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment and at least one of the following health conditions:
– high blood pressure
– Diabetes
– high blood lipids (cholesterol/triglycerides) - Study design:
- Length of study: Nine months. Around 17 visits required
- Location: Open for recruitment in Edinburgh
All our studies are approved by an independent ethics committee and conducted under strict NHS and UK regulatory standards.
Your safety, privacy, and comfort always come first.
Ready to get involved?
Join hundreds of people who are already making a difference in Alzheimer’s and brain health research.
