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Clinical trials are research studies in people that test whether new ways to prevent, detect, treat, or manage disease are safe and effective. They follow defined phases and strict oversight to protect participants. Learn more from the U.S. FDA (Step 3: Clinical Research) and the public registry ClinicalTrials.gov.
Alzheimer’s research advances only when volunteers participate. There are hundreds of active studies exploring medicines, diagnostics, lifestyle interventions, and caregiver-support programs. See NIA’s list of active Alzheimer’s and related dementias trials and search opportunities on Alzheimers.gov’s Clinical Trials Finder.
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Myth: “You’ll be treated like a test subject.”
Fact: Trials are reviewed by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to ensure ethical conduct and participant safety, and you must give informed consent before any procedures.
Myth: “You’ll lose access to good care.”
Fact: Trials compare interventions to the current standard of care or placebo (when appropriate) and include frequent monitoring. See FDA: Clinical Research basics.
Myth: “Trials are only for late-stage disease.”
Fact: Many studies enroll healthy volunteers, at-risk individuals, and people across disease stages—including caregiver-focused trials. See Alzheimer’s Association: Myths vs. Facts.
Pre-screen & Eligibility
A coordinator reviews medical history against inclusion/exclusion rules (the eligibility criteria). Some screening may include questionnaires, labs, cognitive tests, and/or imaging.
Informed Consent
You’ll receive clear information about purpose, procedures, risks/benefits, privacy, and your right to withdraw—before anything begins. See OHRP: Informed Consent FAQs.
Study Visits & Monitoring
Visit schedules vary; some protocols include home or virtual components. Safety is monitored continuously. See FDA: Clinical Research.
Costs & Reimbursement
Many research costs are covered by the sponsor; routine care may be billed to insurance, and there may be travel support. Always ask what’s covered. See NCI: Who Pays for Clinical Trials?
Where Trials Are Listed
Most interventional studies register on ClinicalTrials.gov; Alzheimer’s-specific listings are also on Alzheimers.gov. In Canada, verify studies in Health Canada’s Clinical Trials Database; regulatory context via ClinRegs (Canada).
Time commitment: How many visits? How long is each? Are telehealth/home visits possible? (Find typical visit schedules under each study at ClinicalTrials.gov.)
Eligibility & screening: Which eligibility criteria apply? What tests are required?
Risks & safety: What side effects are known, and how are they monitored? Who do we call after hours? (See OHRP consent basics and IRB oversight.)
Standard of care: What care continues outside the study? Will our clinicians be kept informed? (FDA: Clinical Research)
Costs & support: What does the sponsor cover (tests, medication, travel, parking)? Any stipends? (NCI cost/insurance guidance)
Withdrawal & data: Can we leave at any time? What happens to data if we withdraw? (OHRP: Informed Consent FAQs)
Trials don’t just test drugs; they also evaluate diagnostics, caregiving approaches, and risk-reduction strategies that can improve everyday life. Explore the breadth of studies via NIA’s active AD/ADRD trials and Alzheimers.gov’s Clinical Trials hub.
Fawkes acts as a bridge between patients/caregivers and research opportunities. With your permission, we help gather and unify medical records from multiple providers and map them to the exact eligibility criteria researchers use so you can quickly see which studies may fit, understand requirements up front, and connect with coordinators.
Try it free today and see what trials you or your loved one may qualify for.
ClinicalTrials.gov (U.S. registry): Search studies
Alzheimers.gov (U.S. HHS): Clinical Trials and Trials Finder
National Institute on Aging: Active Alzheimer’s & related dementias trials
Ethics & participant protections: OHRP—IRBs & informed consent and OHRP consent FAQs
Costs & insurance: NCI—Who Pays for Clinical Trials?
Canada: Health Canada Clinical Trials Database and ClinRegs (Canada)
Myths & participation basics: Alzheimer’s Association—Myths vs. Facts