Calcifade Study

Study Name: Calcifade Study

Name of the researchers: Dr. Amit Batla (UK), Dr. Dineke Koek (Netherlands)

Cost/funding of the study: €400,000 (~£346,000)

Location of Study:

Outpatient clinics of University College Hospital London in the UK and the University Medical Center Utrecht in The Netherlands.

Who can be involved?:

Persons aged 18 years or over with Primary Familial Brain Calcification/Fahr's disease

Aim of the study:

Currently, there is no cure for Fahr's disease (or Primary Familial Brain Calcification). However, earlier research suggests that bisphosphonates, such as etidronate, may help reduce or slow down brain calcifications. That is why the CALCIFADE study is conducted — a study designed to investigate whether etidronate could become a promising treatment option for people with Fahr's disease or syndrome.

The CALCIFADE study is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. This means participants receive either etidronate or a placebo, but neither participants nor researchers know which is being given. Treatment consists of taking capsules daily for two weeks, followed by ten weeks without medication — a cycle that repeats over the course of 12 months.

The main goal of the study is to find out whether etidronate can help preserve cognitive function (such as memory and attention). The study is also looking at effects on movement, psychiatric symptoms, brain calcifications, independence in daily activities, and quality of life.

By joining the study, you will be helping researchers explore a potential treatment and contributing to the future of care for people with Fahr's disease. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact the research team.

For more information contact: a.batla@ucl.ac.uk / h.l.koek@umcutrecht.nl