Considering an Alzheimer’s clinical research study?

(BPT) – More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the most common form of dementia, affecting one out of every nine older Americans, and it is the sixth-leading cause of death, the CDC reports.

With so many people affected by Alzheimer’s, is it any surprise that public awareness of the disease has grown, or that millions of dollars are invested every year in Alzheimer’s research?

The purpose of research studies is to evaluate potential new prevention and treatment options that may treat Alzheimer’s symptoms or slow the progression of the disease. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you may be interested in learning about clinical research studies. Here is some information to keep in mind as you evaluate whether taking part in a clinical research study is right for you.

* What is a clinical research study?

A clinical research study, also referred to as a clinical trial, is a carefully designed study conducted to determine if investigational medications are safe and effective for a specific disease or condition. Participation in any clinical research study is completely voluntary. If you decide to participate in a clinical research study, you are always free to withdraw at any time for any reason.

* Who oversees research studies?

Doctors, nurses and other qualified medical professionals conduct the study and interact with patients. To help ensure that a clinical research study is ethical and that volunteers’ rights are protected, Institutional Review Boards (IRB) or Ethics Committees (EC) review and approve study protocols.

* Who can participate?

Each study has different criteria for who may participate. The medical research study team at the doctor’s office you select will review your medical history and current medical status against the eligibility criteria to determine if you may qualify to participate.

* Why might someone choose to participate?

If you do decide to participate in a clinical research study, you will receive free study-related care from a team that may include doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals, who will monitor your health throughout the study. All study-related medication and medical tests will be provided to you at no cost. In addition, you may be compensated for time and travel.

The results of these clinical research studies may lead to new prevention and treatment options that could help improve the lives of people with Alzheimer’s disease, their families, and future generations.

* What are the risks?

Before you participate in a clinical research study, the doctors and nurses involved will explain the details of the study and provide you with an informed consent form. The form includes details about the study, such as its purpose, duration and required procedures. Risks and potential benefits are also explained in the informed consent form, which will be reviewed with you by the study staff. Risks include possible side effects associated with the study medication or risks associated with the study procedures. Your symptoms may not improve or may worsen during the study.

* Are there any Alzheimer’s studies available in which to participate?

Researchers are now seeking participants for the EPOCH study, a clinical research study to evaluate an oral investigational medicine that may help slow the progression of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The study will be conducted globally, so if you qualify to participate in the study, organizers will try to locate a facility in your area to monitor you during the study.

To take part you or a loved one must:

* Be between 55 and 85 years of age

* Have had memory problems for at least one year

* Have someone in your life that can attend study visits with you and help you follow study requirements

There are additional eligibility requirements which the study doctor will explain to you. To learn more about the EPOCH study and the possible risks and benefits of participation, call 1- 844-675-7575 or visit www.epochmemorystudy.com. If you’d like to learn more about clinical research studies, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov, which includes information about all available Alzheimer’s studies.