Research

There are people working every day towards prevention and cure!

Clinical trials are necessary in order to make progress in preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Clinical trials include both people currently living with dementia as well as healthy individuals! Anyone can be involved in the search for answers about dementia! Being involved in treatment and cure development can be empowering for all those affected directly or indirectly by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. 

Some types of clinical trials include:¹

Biomarkers and Brain Imaging

• Researchers are working towards better methods of diagnosis including through using biomarkers and brain imaging. Biomarkers include using blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and other identifying substances to identify biological markers that Alzheimer's disease is present, or you are at risk. 

Drugs and Supplements

• Researchers are testing drugs and supplements that can treat dementia, address behavioral expression, and more!

Nondrug Interventions

• Nondrug interventions may include research into music therapy, animal assisted therapy, or other treatment options. 

Observational 

• Observational studies involve no intervention but allow researchers to watch the natural progression of an area of interest.

Registries

• Registries are essential for keeping track of who has an illness and their personal characteristics. Registries help researchers understand who is at risk and why. 

Some institutions across Tennessee currently conducting Alzheimer's Disease and related dementia research include:

• East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 
• University of Tennessee Medical Center, Pat Summitt Clinic - Knoxville, TN 
• Saint Thomas Hospital Nashville, TN 
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN 
• Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital Nashville, TN 
• University of Tennessee - Memphis, TN 
• Genesis Neurosciences Clinic – Knoxville, TN
  

There are several ways to find a clinical trial right for you. All the resources listed below will allow you to see active clinical trials and research opportunities in your area!

The Alzheimer's Association has created Trial Match, a system specifically for matching you with the clinical trials that meet your situation. 

The US National Library of Medicine has a Clinical Trial Finder which allows you to search clinical trials by multiple topics including all types of dementia. 

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Clinical Trial Finder allows you to find clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by entering a keyword and location.

Tennessee’s Fifty Forward organization is involved in the National Institutes of Health research program called All of Us.  Fifty Forward strives to provide resources to adults aged 50+.² The National Institutes of Health research program All of Us looks to involve all people in research by reaching out to underrepresented groups such as older adults. Visit the Fifty Forward website to learn more about this partnership and events that may be happening near you!

You can also sign up for e-newsletters from the Alzheimer's Association, NIA and more to get notified on new clinical trials, research, and clinical trial progress.

REFERENCES:

1. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/clinical-trials
2. https://fiftyforward.org/about/

Any Questions?

If you have questions about services in your area, please reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) at 1-866-836-6678 or submit a request for information online through our Information Request Tool.”