"Why I Participate in Alzheimer's Research" Videos

NIA has created four video stories profiling participants in Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials. These videos feature participants from different walks of life who discuss what motivates them and how research staff support them to participate in studies and trials. The videos are intended to be shared as part of engagement and recruitment efforts for clinical studies.

Each video was made with a specific audience in mind:

• Will’s Story—When both of Will’s parents developed dementia, he and his wife moved back into his childhood home to be full-time caregivers. He discusses how participating in a clinical trial helped him take better care of himself physically and receive emotional support from other caregivers in his community.
• Bob’s Story—While Bob doesn’t have relatives with Alzheimer’s, he has a daughter with Down syndrome, which puts her at increased risk for developing dementia. He is a healthy control volunteer, motivated by his daughter’s condition and his love of science. He also discusses and debunks some concerns that may make potential volunteers hesitant to join a study.
• Kay’s Story—Kay lost her mother to the disease and worries since Alzheimer’s runs in her family. She is a vibrant older adult who hopes that by volunteering, she can increase the chances of a brighter future for earlier detection and treatment of dementia for her children, friends, and neighbors.
• Keretha’s Story—Keretha lost her mother to dementia, and she discusses how Alzheimer’s doesn’t just impact a person, but an entire family. She hopes to set an example for increased participation by the African American community, who have a higher risk for developing dementia.

Videos are also available in shorter formats or around certain broader topics, including:

• Why Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Need Diverse Participants
• Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease
• Alzheimer's Caregivers and Clinical Trials

View all available videos on NIA's YouTube playlist.