<!–[CDATA[As the number of seniors in this country continues to climb, more people are living with Alzheimer’s disease than ever before. Researchers say 5.8 million older adults currently live with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, that number is expected to soar to almost 14 million. Because no cure exists, clinical trials continue to play an important role in learning more about this disease.
Clinical trials allow researchers to explore potential causes of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer in a controlled environment. By participating in a study, you can feel as if you are contributing to efforts to find a treatment or cure.
Connecting with an Alzheimer’s Clinical Trial
There are Alzheimer’s clinical trials happening across the country. Researchers explore topics ranging from blood sugar and Alzheimer’s to testing for early signs of the disease. Here are three organizations you can contact if you are interested in participating or helping a senior loved one do so:
Alzheimer’s Association’s TrialMatch®
TrialMatch® is a matching service coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Association. They seek people with Alzheimer’s, family caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s, and healthy adults for ongoing trials. Their website is rich with information and resources. Adults interested in participating in a clinical trial will first be asked to complete a questionnaire. TrialMatch® will then notify you when a trial study that matches your criteria is located.
National Institute on Aging
The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, also maintains a database of clinical Alzheimer’s trials across the country. Like TrialMatch®, they oversee trial studies covering a wide range of health-related topics in all 50 states.
You can find an Alzheimer’s trial by searching their site using targeted key phrases, your zip code, and how many miles you are willing to drive to reach a study site.
CenterWatch Clinical Trials
Another site you can visit to explore potential Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials is CenterWatch. They have trials in progress on topics ranging from safety to recognizing the disease in older adults who are asymptomatic.
Like the others mentioned above, you can search for a trial based on your location and how far you are able to drive to participate.
Memory Care Experts at Five Star Senior Living
At Five Star Senior Living, we know how difficult the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is for older adults and those who love them. Our memory care program utilizes the latest research to help residents with Alzheimer’s and similar forms of dementia live their best quality of life.
If you are a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we encourage you to set up a time to visit a Five Star community. We can help you learn more about short-term respite care and long-term memory care. Call us today at (853) 457-8271!