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The Importance of Clinical Trial Participation for Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease can be a daunting diagnosis — but there are options available for you to take control of your or a loved one's health
Most people will be impacted by Alzheimer’s disease at some point in their lifetime. In the United States, 1 out of every 9 people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s disease (alz.org), and 1 out of every 21 Americans currently cares for someone with Alzheimer’s (caregiveraction.org).
Approximately 5.4 million people in the U.S. are affected by Alzheimer’s disease (alz.org). And according to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of people with the disease age 65 and older may nearly triple by 2050 (alz.org). With this projected growth, finding better treatments is more important than ever to help slow or reverse this growing epidemic. Clinical trials (or clinical studies) are integral to discovering new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and bringing new treatments to market. Clinical trial volunteers, or “participants”, are needed for clinical research to successfully be conducted. There are a several reasons why someone might consider participating in an Alzheimer’s clinical trial.
1. Access to investigational treatments
There is currently no cure or no known treatment for stopping the progression of Alzheimer’s. By participating in a clinical trial, people with Alzheimer’s could potentially gain access to cutting-edge medical treatments that could help them manage their symptoms and prolong their quality of life.
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According to some studies, people who participate in Alzheimer’s clinical trials are less likely to be placed in a nursing home than those who do not (healthcommunities.com). This is an important goal for many—to live at home for as long as possible.
2. Access to medical care
People who participate in clinical research studies could also benefit from the medical care associated with their participation. This care is often provided at no charge to the participants.
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3. Increase knowledge about the disease
The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not completely understood — clinical research helps us to better understand more about Alzheimer’s and the way the disease works. This increased knowledge could help researchers find better ways to treat Alzheimer’s.
4. Take an active role
Clinical research allows participants to take an active role in the management of Alzheimer’s disease and their own medical care. Many participants also value the sense of community that comes with clinical trial participation, and the chance to learn more about their disease.
5. Help others and future generations
Often, people who participate in clinical trials are motivated by a sense of altruism. Clinical trial participation offers a chance to give back to the community by furthering the advancement of medicine and science. Participating in clinical research may benefit future generations as well, which is of particular importance since Alzheimer’s disease has a genetic component (nih.gov).
Currently there is a research study for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s enrolling at Suburban Research Associates in Media, PA. Dr. Shivkumar Hatti is the CEO and principal investigator at the practice.
The study involves an investigational medication called intepirdine (RVT-101). In an earlier 684-subject study, the combination of RVT-101 and donepezil was observed to provide statistically significant benefits on measurements of cognition and ability to perform daily living activities, as compared to donepezil (Aricept®) alone. Transportation is provided at no cost or reimbursed for patients and caregivers. No insurance is needed to participate.
Dr. Hatti is a board certified General Adult Psychiatrist and has been practicing in Media, Pennsylvania for the past 34 years. He has been conducting research trials since 1999, and has been the Principal Investigator on over 160 studies. For more information about the study, go to www.AlzheimersGlobalStudy.com.
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