Clinical trials contribute to the scientific knowledge that can lead to breakthroughs in our understanding of diseases and ailments. They can also help older adults and caregivers feel they’re proactively contributing to a better future for those affected by cognitive impairment, which may provide a sense of purpose to the diagnosis.
Each of the studies below includes contact information for the group or university sponsoring and conducting the trial. Reach out to them with any questions or concerns you may have, or to see if you qualify.
The effects of low-dose naltrexone on diseases of aging
This study will evaluate the short-, intermediate and long-term effects of low-dose naltrexone on quality of life and age-associated diseases. Naltrexone is prescribed as a pill or injection to treat substance use disorders for those addicted to alcohol or opioids.
Location: Michigan
Qualifications:
- Adults 18 or older
- Currently taking low dose naltrexone (under 20mg per day)
- Must not have terminal cancer
- Must not take more than 20mg of naltrexone per day
Process: Data will be collected via blood tests and a series of questionnaires about participants’ family history, mental health and immune status.
Contacts:
Sajad Zalzala
313-355-8657
doctor@agelessrx.com
Minimizing fall-related injury in older adults
Through the information gathered in this study, the researchers aim to develop innovative approaches that focus on the mitigation of fall-related impact and forces, rather than mobility and bone strength for fall-injury prevention. The study will look at the feasibility and safety of the FAlling Safely Training (FAST) program.
Location: Kansas
Qualifications:
- Male
- 65 to 75 years old
- History of fall injury in the last year; two more falls in the last year; or afraid of falling because of problems with balance or walking
- Have no history of tumbling, gymnastic or martial arts experience, or currently engaging in more than 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity
- No clinical osteoporosis
Process: Participants will complete balance and strength exercises with progressive difficulty. Randomized participants will undergo the FAST program, training for 30 minutes twice a week for four weeks.
Contact:
Emma Eells
913-588-3732
eeells@kumc.edu
Remote game-based exercise program for cognitive and motor function improvement
Older individuals with cognitive or motor impairments generally cannot have regular visits to a rehabilitation center for face-to-face exercise. This study will examine if a remote exercise designed for those with cognitive impairment can improve balance and cognition in those with or at risk for some level of dementia.
Location: Texas
Qualifications:
- 65 and older
- Have mild cognitive impairment or dementia
- Living independently in a residential home with a caregiver/informant
- Able to walk 30 feet without assistance
Process: Participants will perform exercises either remotely or in a clinic twice a week. Researchers will measure speed, cognitive performance, balance and other factors after 12 weeks.
Contacts:
Bijan Najafi
713-798-7536
bijan.najafi@bcm.edu
Maria Noun
713-798-7538
maria.noun@bcm.edu
Use of socially assistive robots for long-term care of older adults with cognitive impairment and apathy
This study looks to determine the impact on apathy of a socially assistive robot among adults in long-term care facilities. Researchers will also look to make the robots easy for non-experts to operate.
Location: Tennessee
Qualifications:
- 65 and older
- Residing in long-term care facility for less than three months
- Symptoms of apathy
- Must be able to provide assent to participation
Process: Participants will interact with either a humanoid or a dog robot in two sessions per week for eight weeks. Researchers will use an apathy evaluation scale to assess cognitive, behavioral and emotional changes.
Contact:
Kelley Colopietro
615-936-0461
kelley.j.colopietro@vanderbilt.edu
Sensorineural hearing loss drug
An underlying cause of sensorineural hearing loss is a loss of hair cells in the ear. This study will assess the impact of a trial drug on this type of hearing loss, which usually results from excessive noise exposure.
Location: Multiple U.S. locations
Qualifications:
- Age 18-65
- Documented history of sensorineural hearing loss
- Had a hearing test six months ago or longer
Process: A single dose of the study drug is delivered via injection into the eardrum (after a numbing agent is applied). Some participants will instead receive a placebo injection. Participants will have at least six visits with study staff over four months and complete several clinical and safety assessments.
Contact:
Clara Health Team
415-326-8829
hearingstudy@clarahealth.com
Enhanced Mediterranean diet for Alzheimer’s disease prevention
This study will investigate how a Mediterranean diet or low-fat diet affects cognitive function, blood pressure and brain volume in older adults with normal cognition.
Location: Kansas
Qualifications:
- 65 and older
- Normal cognition
- BMI of 20 to 40
- No nut or fish allergies
Process: Study participants will track their food intake while on either a Mediterranean diet or low-fat diet, participate in monthly food demonstrations and cooking classes, and pick up groceries from a local grocery store.
Contact:
Juleah Littrell
913-588-6392
Looking for a study or clinical trial near you? Chances are there’s one recruiting now. You can search by location, condition, age group, gender and more at clinicaltrials.gov.
