Center of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease (CEAD)

Clinical Trials

Woman records responses on checklist during a patient interview

We are living in a remarkable time for Alzheimer’s disease clinical research.  Researchers are making significant progress in identifying potential new ways to help diagnose, treat, and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. This is because of the advances in our understanding of this brain disorder and having powerful new tools for diagnosing.

Thanks to the thousands of people who have participated in Alzheimer’s clinical research studies! Because of them, we learned more about the disease and tested potential treatments. They made these advances possible.

What are Clinical Research Studies?

Clinical research studies allow doctors and scientists to explore new and better ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, control, and treat illnesses. All clinical research studies are carefully monitored and regulated to ensure the participants’ well-being. Participating in a clinical research study is completely voluntary.

There are two types of clinical research studies:

  • Drug Study or Clinical Trial - This is a scientific study of how and if a new investigational medicine, device, or intervention works in people. Drug testing is the focus of many Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials. Drug studies are essential for researchers to find out if a promising investigational treatment is safe and effective in people. There is no guarantee that the study drug will improve your symptoms.
  • Non-Drug Study or Observational Study - This type of study is conducted to gain better understanding about Alzheimer’s disease. It does not involve an investigational drug. The researchers gather information that will be useful for future management and treatment of the disease.

Reasons to Join

There are many reasons why you might choose to join an Alzheimer’s clinical trial. You may want to:

  • Help others, including future family members, who may be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
  • Receive regular monitoring by medical professionals
  • Learn about Alzheimer’s and your health
  • Test new treatments that might work better than those currently available
  • Get information about support groups and resources

When you choose to participate in research, you become a partner in scientific discovery—regardless of the reason why you participate. Your contribution can help future generations lead healthier lives. Major medical breakthroughs could not happen without the generosity of clinical trial participants—young and old.