A clinical research study, also called a clinical trial, is a carefully designed scientific evaluation of an investigational medication. Clinical research studies are conducted by doctors and researchers. A clinical research study helps to answer important questions about an investigational medication, such as:
All investigational medications must be tested in clinical research studies before they can be approved by authorities to be prescribed to patients. Without people taking part in these studies, we would have no new medications.
There are always risks and benefits of participating in a clinical research study. There is always a chance that the investigational medication could cause side effects or won’t work. However, you should know that there are strict rules in place to ensure the safety of study participants. Before joining any clinical research study, it is important to consider the risks and understand what they are. The study team will explain all of the risks and benefits at your/your loved one’s first study visit. Throughout the study, participants will be closely monitored by a team of local doctors and nurses. They will be there to answer any questions you may have.
If you would like to know whether you or your loved one might be eligible for the study, please fill out the form (you will be told immediately). If you or your loved one is eligible, we will match you/them to a clinical research study center in your area that is participating in the study. We will also help you schedule your/their first study appointment at the study center. Please note that before being enrolled in the study, additional eligibility criteria will be checked by the study doctor or study team during the screening process.
The study-required investigational medication or placebo will be provided at no cost. Study-related care from a team of experienced doctors and nurses will also be provided throughout the study at no cost to study participants.
Participants are closely monitored, and their information will be carefully recorded and reviewed. All personal information will remain confidential, and participants’ names will not be included in any data reported.
Clinical research studies must undergo rigorous reviews and follow strict rules. These rules help to ensure that the rights, safety, and well-being of participants are at the forefront of any study.
Participating in a clinical research study comes with risks as well as benefits. Before joining a study, potential participants must make sure they understand the benefits, such as getting access to study-related medical care and maybe helping others in the future. They must also understand the risks, such as unknown side effects. Potential study participants can take as much time as they need to decide whether to take part and get as much information as they can. Before joining a study, the potential study participant will be asked to sign an Informed Consent Form, which will include a full explanation of the study, including its potential risks. If the potential study participant is not capable of giving informed consent, a legally authorized representative may provide informed consent on their behalf. In this situation, the potential study participant would provide informed assent.
It is up to you/your loved one to decide if you/they want to take part in an Alzheimer’s disease study. Participation in the study is voluntary. Please also consider:
Participants will need to follow all the instructions from the study doctor and nurses.