Prediction of Cognitive Properties of New Drug Candidates for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Early Clinical Development

The early assessment of new drugs for Alzheimer's disease remains difficult because of the lack of predictive end-point. The use of a battery including different parameters could improve this early development of new drugs. Nevertheless, the interest of such a battery should previously be validated with the yet marketed AD drugs

The aim of the present study is to test the effect of a 15-day treatment with donepezil on a mixed battery associating cognitive assessment, imaging and neurophysiological tests in healthy volunteers. This multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study is double-blind controlled and is conducted in 3 centers located in France (Lille, Marseille and Toulouse). 18-30 years old, healthy volunteers, without any neurological or psychiatric impairment, will complete 2 test sessions in a randomized order: one with a 15-day treatment with donepezil, the other with placebo, and will be submitted to a mixed battery during the 14th and 15th day of the treatment. The primary outcome of the study will be based on cognitive assessment, imaging parameters and neurophysiological parameters.