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, chronic pain and other ailments.
Each of the studies below includes contact information for the group or university sponsoring and conducting the study. Reach out to them with any questions or concerns you may have, or to see if you qualify.
Moving Together online study for people with cognitive decline (and their caregivers)
Researchers at Together Senior Health are testing whether an online program called Moving Together improves the quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their caregivers. The program includes virtual group classes with guided functional movements.
Location: Online
Qualifications:
- Adults 18 or older
- Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementia, or a caregiver of such a person
- Own a device capable of two-way video livestreaming
Process: Participants will take part in virtual group classes for one hour, two days a week for 12 weeks. The classes are a livestreamed, instructor-led group movement program combining physical movement with mindful body awareness exercises and social interactions.
Contacts:
Deborah E. Barnes
415-298-5498
deborah.barnes@ucsf.edu
Cynthia Benjamin
650-906-6032
cbenjamin@togetherseniorhealth.com
Evaluating the long-term safety and effectiveness of Aduhelm for Alzheimer’s patients
Drugmaker Biogen is recruiting Alzheimer’s patients for its Phase 4 trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Aduhelm.
Location: Multiple U.S. locations
Qualifications:
- Adults 18 or older
- Alzheimer’s diagnosis
- Prescription for Adulhelm (aducanumab-avwa) from physician
Process: Participants will be followed up to five years after enrollment, and data will be collected at routine visits every six to 12 months. The effectiveness of the drug will be measured via a series of questionnaires, assessments and interviews.
Contact:
U.S. Biogen Clinical Trial Center
866-633-4636
clinicaltrials@biogen.com
Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative study from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
This study follows people with and without Parkinson’s disease over time to learn more about the disease. Researchers hope to glean information by gathering data from more than 100,000 study participants to potentially help diagnose and treat Parkinson’s.
Location: Online in the U.S.
Qualifications:
- Adults 18 or older with an email address
- Accepting those with or without Parkinson’s diagnosis
- Particularly looking for:
- Men over 60
- Those with a close relative who has a Parkinson’s diagnosis
- Those experiencing persistent loss of smell
Process: Participants will have the opportunity to contribute data on their health and wellness every 90 days for years. Depending on the information you provide, you may be invited to visit a medical clinic for additional in-person testing.
Contact:
Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative
info@ppmionline.org
Harmony at HOME: A pilot telehealth program for rural Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers
Behavioral disruptions by individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are reported in nearly 90% of persons living with the condition. These symptoms are highly correlated with increased caregiver burden and burnout, and decreased quality of life for the person living with dementia and their caregiver.
This study will examine the Harmony at HOME telehealth program, which aims to train caregivers of persons with dementia in the skills of assessing and modifying the home environment in a region with some of the poorest health care options for older adults in the country.
Location: Appalachian region of rural Kentucky
Qualifications:
- Caregivers for persons with dementia:
- 21 to 99 years old
- Living within the rural, Appalachian region of Kentucky
- Access to Zoom
- Persons with dementia who are:
- 65 to 99 years old
- Living at home with one primary caregiver in the Appalachian region of Kentucky
- Not actively participating in physical therapy
Process: An occupational therapist will deliver a telehealth intervention during weekly visits for six weeks.
Contacts:
Elizabeth Rhodus
859-323-5550
elizabeth.rhodus@uky.edu
Allison Gibson
859-257-6650
allison.gibson@uky.edu
Impact of lifestyle and genetic factors on Alzheimer’s risk in Asian Americans
This study seeks to gather information from Asian Americans and Canadians to determine if there are genes unique to those populations that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Location: California, Massachusetts, New York
Qualifications:
- 60 years or older
- Asian Americans and Canadians of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese ancestry
Process: Eligible participants will answer a lifestyle/demographic questionnaire, receive a cognitive assessment, and provide a saliva and/or optional blood sample.
Contact:
Asian Cohort for Alzheimer’s Disease
help@acadstudy.org
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.
