Through clinical research studies, doctors and scientists can find new and better ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, control, and treat illnesses. We are living in a remarkable time for Alzheimer’s disease clinical research. Researchers are making significant progress in identifying potential new ways to help diagnose, treat, and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. This is because of the advances in our understanding of this brain disorder and having powerful new tools for diagnosing.
Thanks to the thousands of people who have participated in Alzheimer’s clinical research studies! Because of them, we learned more about the disease and tested potential treatments. They made these advances possible.
All clinical research studies are carefully monitored and regulated to ensure the participants’ well-being. Participating in a clinical research study is completely voluntary.
There are two types of clinical research studies:
This is a scientific study of how and if a new investigational medicine, device, or intervention works in people. Drug testing is the focus of many Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials. Drug studies are essential for researchers to find out if a promising investigational treatment is safe and effective in people. There is no guarantee that the study drug will improve your symptoms.
This does not involve investigational drug. It is a study conducted to gain better understanding about Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers gather information that will be useful for future management and treatment of the disease.
Joining a Clinical Trial
There are many reasons why you might choose to join an Alzheimer’s clinical trial. You may want to:
- Help others, including future family members, who may be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
- Receive regular monitoring by medical professionals
- Learn about Alzheimer’s and your health
- Test new treatments that might work better than those currently available
- Get information about support groups and resources
When you choose to participate in research, you become a partner in scientific discovery—regardless of the reason why you participate. Your contribution can help future generations lead healthier lives. Major medical breakthroughs could not happen without the generosity of clinical trial participants—young and old.
- TrialMatch: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/clinical-trials
- CenterWatch: https://www.centerwatch.com/
- NIA/NIH: https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/clinical-trials