Joining a Clinical Trial
Joining a clinical trial, also called a research study, is a way for you and the person with AD to help find ways to prevent or treat AD. A clinical trial gives the person a chance to get a new treatment from researchers, before the government approves it. The new treatment might be a new medicine or a new way to care for someone with AD. A clinical trial is another way to get care from experts. Being in a study also gives you and the person with AD a chance to help others who have the disease. But, you should keep in mind that clinical trials may have some risks. Be sure to look at the benefits and risks of a clinical trial before you make your decision.
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study to find out whether new medicines or other treatments are both safe and effective. Clinical trials most often take place at research centers and universities across the United States.
Before the public can receive a new medicine or treatment, it must be tested in specific groups of people. For example, a clinical trial might need men under age 65 who are at risk of getting AD. Some studies need volunteers with the illness or condition being studied. Other studies need people without the illness. Still other studies need both types of people to participate.
Many clinical trials include people who get a new treatment and others who don't get the treatment. Most of the time, people don't know which group they are in. During a clinical trial, researchers check the health of people in the study and how they react to treatment. It may take some time to find a study that you or the person with AD can take part in. Don't be discouraged if you or the person with AD does not qualify for a study.
How can a person join a clinical trial?
To join, you first must find a study that is looking for people like you or the person with AD. For more information about AD clinical trials, visit the ADEAR Center website at www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers or call 1-800-438-4380. An information specialist can help you look for a clinical trial. For a list of clinical trials on Alzheimer's disease, go to the ADEAR Clinical Trials Database.
You may also want to visit these clinical trials websites:
What else do I need to know about clinical trials?
The government has strict rules to protect the safety and privacy of people in clinical trials. The researchers conducting the study are required by law to tell the patient and/or family members all of the risks and benefits of taking part in the study. This is called the informed consent process. As part of this process, volunteers read an informed consent form. The form explains the study, its risks and benefits, and the rights of the person taking part in the study. The laws and rules about informed consent differ across States and research centers.
Some clinical trials will pay you back for transportation costs, child care, meals, and lodging; others won't. Talk with the study coordinator about these costs.
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