Participate in Research.Research studies differ in many ways -- length of your visit, number of visits, and procedures, to name a few. It all depends on the questions the research team is trying to answer. You may not be a fit for a particular study, but you can find a study that is a fit for you.
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In order to answer their specific questions, research teams have different goals for their recruitment of study volunteers. For example, some studies are interested in recruiting those who already have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or who are already showing some symptoms. Studies often also need health volunteers to help in making comparisons.
Some research studies may be carried out over the phone or online while others require an in-person visit. Some studies may ask you to have more than one visit. While some studies test a particular treatment (e.g., clinical trials), many studies are observational (they just want to gather information on how you are doing). Below are just a few different things a study may include or ask you to do. This is not a complete list, but includes several standard procedures used in aging and Alzheimer's disease research. |
Below are some options to get you started in ongoing research:
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A Process of ConsentOnce you are ready to participate in a study, the research team will ask for your consent, or permission. Participating is completely voluntary; you should not be required to participate in research and, as a volunteer, you can say no at any time. Members of the health research community across the world are expected follow established ethical guidelines to help protect volunteers, reduce potential harm, and not take advantage of vulnerable individuals. This requires a process of consent. Before starting a research study, someone from the research team should explain the study to you in a detailed way and let you know of any risks associated with the study. Consent forms provide these details in writing and your approval is required before you continue with the study.
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A Clinical InterviewResearch studies will need to learn more about you. This might include background information (e.g., place of birth, schooling, work history), health history (e.g., history of illnesses), family history (e.g., medical conditions in your family), and mood. Sometimes this is done with paperwork for you to fill out or with a clinical interview. You may also be asked about any current symptoms you may be having, similar to when you go to your doctor. A member of the research team may also examine you to see how your body and brain systems are functioning.
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Blood and Other Fluid Samples
Many research teams are interested in special clues that may help detect or track the progress of Alzheimer's disease. These clues -- or biomarkers -- can be found in different ways, including from your blood. Therefore, your research team may be interested in collecting blood samples from you to test it for these biomarkers. This would be similar to giving blood at your doctor's office. Some research teams may collect saliva samples, which typically involves spitting into a tube. A special fluid, known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), that surrounds your brain may be of interest. If so, you may be asked to undergo a lumbar puncture so that the research team can take a sample of CSF.
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Brain Scans
Since aging and Alzheimer's disease affect how our brains function, some research teams want to see how our brains look. One way of doing this is with a brain scan. Different tools can be used for a brain scan. For example, a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a scan with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help us look at the structure of your brain. CT scans use a series of X-ray images while MRI scans use a large magnet.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are another type of brain scan. The machine used for PET scans look similar to the machines used for CT and MRI scans, but are they used to look at how your brain is functioning. The way it does this is by using a special radioactive drug (tracer) that can be "seen" by the PET scanner.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are another type of brain scan. The machine used for PET scans look similar to the machines used for CT and MRI scans, but are they used to look at how your brain is functioning. The way it does this is by using a special radioactive drug (tracer) that can be "seen" by the PET scanner.
Cognitive Tests
Another way of looking at how your brain is functioning is by testing your memory and thinking abilities. This can be done with different types of cognitive tests that can be completed with paper-and-pencil, out loud with an examiner, or on a computer. You may be asked to complete a puzzle or demonstrate how you would carry out certain tasks.
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Study Risks
Most (if not all!) research studies have some kind of risk related to participating. These can include things like boredom, fatigue, loss of confidentiality, and negative side effects (e.g., in a treatment study). Study teams try to prevent or reduce these risks. At any stage of the research, if you feel you the risks are too much, let the study team know. Remember, participating in research is voluntary.
Get Involved
Would you like to help researcher teams communicate better with your local community? You might be eligible to join one of our teams as a community ambassador. [More Information]