Overview

CORT-X will examine if mitigation of stress-mediated pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a feasible target for intervention in individuals at risk for this disease. This single-site (Baltimore, Maryland) phase II clinical trial is a 2-week, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study of the effects of the selective glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, CORT108297, on cognitive test performance in 26 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD and in 26 cognitively normal individuals with an increased risk for AD due to family history, genetics, and/or subjective memory complaints. All subjects will participate in a brief stressor (public speaking and mental arithmetic) and provide saliva samples so investigators can measure stress hormone response. Then, following 2 weeks of treatment with placebo or CORT108297, in counterbalanced order, participants will complete cognitive tests assessing memory and executive function. All study participants will receive CORT108297 and placebo over the course of this 10-week trial that requires 6 in-person study visits. The primary aims will compare the effects of CORT108297 to placebo on cognitive test performance in individuals with MCI due to AD and in individuals at risk for AD, and describe the side effects of CORT108297 in study participants. Secondary aims will identify subject characteristics that predict positive response to study drug.

Eligibility

Individuals must meet criteria for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease

        according to National Institute on Aging (NIA)/Alzheimer's Association recommendations OR
        be cognitively normal based on clinical and cognitive assessment in the Enrollment Visit
        and have at least one of the following risk factors for AD:
          -  Known to have at least 1 apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele;
          -  Subjective cognitive concerns with a T score < 40 on the Multifactorial Memory
             Questionnaire Satisfaction Scale23;
          -  A first-degree relative with dementia.
        Inclusion Criteria for all subjects:
          -  At least 55 years of age;
          -  Body mass index >17 and <30;
          -  Post-menopausal (if female)
          -  Non-smoker;
          -  Availability of a study partner who has frequent contact with the subject (10+
             hours/week in person and by telephone), and is able to provide an independent
             evaluation of functioning;
          -  Native English speaker;
          -  Good general health with no disease expected to interfere with the study;
          -  Willing and able to participate for the duration of the study.
        Exclusion Criteria for all subjects:
          -  Participation in a therapeutic clinical trial at any time during the study;
          -  Abnormal corrected QT interval using Bazett's formula (QTcB; defined as > 450 ms for
             men and > 470 ms for women) as determined on ECG;
          -  Any significant neurologic disease other than suspected incipient Alzheimer's disease,
             such as Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, Huntington's disease, normal
             pressure hydrocephalus, brain tumor, progressive supranuclear palsy, seizure disorder,
             subdural hematoma, multiple sclerosis, or history of significant head trauma followed
             by persistent neurologic deficits or known structural brain abnormalities, including
             lacunes in critical memory structures including the hippocampus and parahippocampal
             cortex;
          -  Major depression, bipolar disorder within the past 1 year;
          -  History of alcohol or drug dependence;
          -  Any significant systemic illness or unstable medical condition, which could lead to
             difficulty complying with the protocol;
          -  General surgery within the last 3 months;
          -  Sensory impairment (poor vision or hearing) significant enough to interfere with
             ability to provide valid cognitive test data;
          -  Treatment within the last six months with antidepressants, neuroleptics, sedative
             hypnotics, or glucocorticoids;
          -  Treatment within the last six months with medications metabolized by the CYP2C9 or
             CYP2C19 enzymes, most notably clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors;
          -  Concurrent use of a CYP3A inhibitor, including grapefruit juice, and St. John's Wort;
          -  Exceptions to these guidelines may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the
             discretion of the PI.