Together, We Can Move Alzheimer’s Research Forward.

About Clinical Trials

Before emerging therapies can be approved for widespread public use, they must first be tested in controlled clinical research settings. By joining an Alzheimer’s disease study, participants are playing a vital role in helping doctors and scientists make meaningful, innovative progress in the field of Alzheimer’s disease research. Study participants can potentially gain access to specialists who understand their unique situation, and they help work towards advancing the science of Alzheimer’s disease care.

A Closer Look at Memory Loss

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect social and intellectual abilities profoundly enough that it interferes with daily function.¹

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and is a disease that develops slowly, but gradually worsens over time. It affects most areas of the brain, including thinking, memory, judgment, language, personality, problem-solving and movement.¹ Its progression looks different in every patient living with the disease.

There are Five Stages Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease:²

Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease

Identified only in research settings, it occurs before any symptoms become evident and can last years. Can be determined by genetic testing, biomarkers, or imaging that detects the presence of amyloid beta protein deposits in the brain, which are a signature of the disease.¹

Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer’s Disease

Marked by mild changes in thinking ability and memory, it is often tied to lapses in memory of recent conversations, appointments, or events, as well as misjudging how much time is required to complete a task or how many steps are needed.² Mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, can also be due to causes other than Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mild Dementia Due to Alzheimer’s Disease

Diagnosis typically occurs in this stage, which includes symptoms like memory loss of recent events, asking the same question over and over, lapses in decision-making and judgment (commonly tied to financial matters), loss of motivation or becoming more withdrawn in personality, increased irritability, lacking the words to express objects or ideas, and misplacing belongings or getting lost more frequently.²

Moderate Dementia Due to Alzheimer’s Disease

Confusion and forgetfulness increases in this stage, and more help is needed in daily activities or with self-care. Individuals may confuse family members or friends with each other, lose track of the day or the season, wander off in search of more familiar surroundings, forget details of their personal history, require assistance with grooming and activities of daily hygiene and self-care, experience paranoia, hear or see things that are not there, become physically aggressive, or exhibit increasingly agitated behavior.²

Severe Dementia Due to Alzheimer’s Disease

In this late stage, the disease has a growing impact on movement and physical capabilities, as well as decreased mental function. Individuals can no longer speak coherently, will require total assistance with activities of daily living like eating, dressing and using the bathroom, and may be unable to walk without assistance, hold one’s head up without support, and eventually be unable to control bladder and bowel functions and lose the ability to swallow.²

On average, patients with Alzheimer’s Disease live between 3 and 11 years after diagnosis, and the progression can vary widely. Untreated vascular risk factors like hypertension are associated with a more rapid rate of progression of AD.²

What Does Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Look Like in Patients?

Symptoms may include:³

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Poor judgment
Loss of spontaneity or sense of initiative
Losing track of dates or not knowing current location
Taking longer to complete normal tasks
Repeating questions or forgetting recently learned information
Trouble handling money or paying bills
Challenges in planning and solving problems
Wandering or getting lost
Losing things or misplacing them in uncommon spots
Difficulty completing tasks, such as bathing
Mood and personality changes
Increased anxiety and/or aggression

From the Community

“There are clinical trials out there. I don’t want to just sit here and let it overtake me, I want to feel like I’m battling back, even just a little bit.”
Todd, FL

“If I have the opportunity to help myself and help other people who are dealing with my condition, if that’s the way I can contribute, sign me up.”
Elizabeth, VA

“Without the first person with the first step, you never know what greater good could come.”
Thomas, MD

Note: Testimonials provided by trial participants are personal experiences and do not necessarily represent the views of the trial sponsor. They are not a substitute for medical advice, and the results of the trial may vary based on individual circumstances. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.

See If You Pre-Qualify

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the benefits of participating in an Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial?

The information gathered from clinical studies may help identify potential treatment options in the future for people living with AD. Study participants are often connected to specialists who understand their situation and can help answer questions from patients or their loved ones. Participants in research studies should also expect a professional clinical environment during the trial.

Who may be a good candidate to apply for an Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial?

You may consider applying for a study if you or a loved one:

Are at least 55 years of age, and no older than 90
Have a doctor-confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease via PET scan, bloodwork, or MRI of the brain
Exhibit signs of memory loss, confusion, agitation, restlessness, hallucinations or delusions
Have a person in your/your loved one’s life with whom you/they spend 10 or more hours per week with on a regular basis who is willing and able to attend study visits, oversee medications, and help provide assessments (such as a spouse, caregiver, or an adult child)

What will happen during a clinical trial for Alzheimer’s disease?

Most clinical trials will involve frontline screening to confirm that a potential patient is, in fact, a match for that study’s criteria. Once verified and the patient has signed an Informed Consent Form, which clearly provides the details and purpose of the study to that individual and what it involves, participants can expect to attend scheduled appointments at a participating clinical research site. They will also receive a study drug (also called an investigational medication) and undergo additional screening and follow-up monitoring.

Are there any costs to participate in a clinical research study?

There is no cost to participate in a clinical trial. Participants receive all study-related medical care and study medications for the duration of the study at no cost. Likewise in many instances, study participants may receive travel and meal reimbursement and compensation.

Are there any risks to participating in a clinical research study?

All investigational drugs and medical procedures come with a risk of side effects. Participants may potentially experience some discomfort or other reactions during or after a clinical trial. The study staff should explain these potential risks before participants decide whether to join the trial and help address any concerns they may have.

Can a person change their mind about participating in a clinical study?

Yes. Participation in clinical trials is entirely voluntary. Even if a study participant is already involved in a study, they may change their mind, leave, or remove consent at any time, for any reason.

What if I have more questions?

If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at any time. You may email us at help@clinicalenrollment.com.