Pilot trial of D+Q in mild cognitive impairment

Researchers studied five older adults with mild cognitive impairment, noticeable memory or thinking problems that do not greatly disrupt daily life. They gave them D+Q, a cancer drug called dasatinib plus the plant compound quercetin, in repeated short courses for 12 weeks. They checked side effects, memory and thinking, and biological markers in blood and spinal fluid. No serious treatment-related problems were reported, and some test results changed in potentially favorable ways. However, there was no untreated comparison group, so the study could not show that D+Q caused those changes.

What this means for you: This tiny, uncontrolled study does not show that D+Q prevents or treats memory loss. It is not a reason to buy these products or use the prescription drug outside a properly monitored clinical trial.