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Propranolol for Primary Progressive Aphasia

Phase < 1
Recruiting
Led By David Beversdorf, MD
Research Sponsored by University of Missouri-Columbia
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Age: 50 and older
Native English speaker
Must not have
Unable to provide consent
Taking alpha 2 agonists (clonidine and guanfacine)
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up day 1, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks,14 weeks,18 weeks

Summary

This trial is testing whether Propranolol can improve language symptoms and reduce anxiety in people with Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals aged 50 or older who have been diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia and are native English speakers. It's not suitable for those with major head trauma, untreated hypothyroidism, certain heart conditions like bradyarrhythmia, unexplained fainting episodes, diabetes, reactive airway diseases or those on conflicting medications.
What is being tested?
The study tests if Propranolol can improve language abilities in people with Primary Progressive Aphasia. Participants will either receive Propranolol or a placebo (a substance with no therapeutic effect). Their language function will be monitored using MRI scans to observe any changes.
What are the potential side effects?
Propranolol may cause side effects such as slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, fatigue, dizziness upon standing up too quickly and could potentially worsen symptoms of asthma or other breathing disorders.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am 50 years old or older.
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I am a native English speaker.
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I have been diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I am unable to give my consent.
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I am currently taking clonidine or guanfacine.
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I have a slow heartbeat.
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I am not taking medications that interact with propranolol.
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I do not have conditions or devices that prevent MRI scans.
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I have a condition that causes my airways to narrow.
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My thyroid condition has not been treated.
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I have vision or hearing problems that haven't been corrected.
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I have diabetes.
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I have had fainting spells that doctors can't explain.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~day 1, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks,14 weeks,18 weeks
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and day 1, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks,14 weeks,18 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Secondary study objectives
Change in Semantic Word Fluency Tasks
Change in State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Propanolol and MRIExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Participants will receive propranolol via oral capsule. The drug dosage will be titrated slowly to ensure the drug is tolerated well.
Group II: Placebo and MRIPlacebo Group2 Interventions
Participants will receive placebo via oral capsule.
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Propranolol
2010
Completed Phase 4
~1290
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
2015
Completed Phase 4
~1800

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of Missouri-ColumbiaLead Sponsor
379 Previous Clinical Trials
628,474 Total Patients Enrolled
David Beversdorf, MDPrincipal InvestigatorUniversity of Missouri-Columbia
~13 spots leftby Oct 2026
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