Why Participate?
To explore current studies in more detail, please visit our actively recruiting studies page.
To find out more about opportunities to participate in the BU ADRC’s current research studies, please contact the Recruitment Coordinator, Royisha Young at joinADC@bu.edu
Although there may not be a study for you right now, there may be a study for you in the future. Please still give us a call so we can keep you up to date on future studies.
Why Participate in Research?
A common goal for anyone reading this is the eventual eradication of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The numbers are staggering! There are over 5 million Americans with AD dementia and this number is expected to be over 16 million by 2050. One in eight persons age 65 and older, and 1 in 3 persons age 85, currently has AD dementia. In short, we are in the midst of an AD crisis that is growing in size and scope. The single most important thing that anyone can do to have an impact on this crisis is to volunteer to participate in research.
There likely is a research study for anyone interested in working with us to wipe out AD. Participation in research is not merely a means of moving the science forward; it can also provide important positive benefits to the participant, including a decreased sense of solitude by interacting with a research team who truly understands the disease and its toll on the patient, the caregiver, and family members. And, research participation fulfills that most important need for everyone touched by the disease: a sense of hope. It is shocking how difficult it is for researchers around the country to recruit people to participate in AD-related research. Yes, even in Boston! Even if this little article results in just one person to become enrolled in our research, it would make a tremendous difference. Please help by participating and spreading the word!
Types of Research Studies and Their Purpose
We have several different types of ongoing studies at the ADRC. Each study has its own goals.
- Our memory and aging studies help us to learn about the changes that occur in people’s memory as they age. Clinical trials (or treatment trials) and prevention trials help to determine if new or currently used medications can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or slow its progression.
- Our family and genetic studies look at the link between Alzheimer’s disease and genetics; these studies help us to understand genetic risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Caregiving studies specifically focus on issues related to activities in daily life, such as driving, coping emotionally with caregiver activities, and support strategies for caregivers.
- Our imaging studies help us learn how brain images can provide more information about diagnosing and detecting Alzheimer’s disease. If we can identify changes that are occurring in the brain throughout the disease process, we can help to diagnose and treat people with Alzheimer’s disease as early as possible in the disease process.
To explore current studies in more detail, please visit our actively recruiting studies page.