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With so many unknowns when it comes to Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers continue to investigate potential causes, risk factors, and treatments.
Clinical trials are a major tool to help researchers make progress.
These are studies with volunteers that enable advances that can slow, manage, and treat diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s for current and future family members.
However, these trials only benefit everyone if they have a pool of participants that look like the rest of the population.
For many reasons, including myths, lack of access to transportation, and time commitments, too few under-researched populations join clinical trials.
But closing the gap on clinical trial participation doesn’t have to be a burden.
Here are 3 clinical trials that can be done at a distance or have minimal in-person visits that Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, caregivers, and family members can join today!
1. Help Researchers Understand Alzheimer’s and Dementia Genetic Risks
A national study with a local site in San Antonio, Texas is calling on multiple family members who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, or mild cognitive impairment to help researchers understand genetic risk factors.
This study would require participants to undergo 3–4-hour study visits every 1 to 2 years for 3 years.
Part of these visits include exams and a review of personal and family history, cognitive testing, and a blood or saliva sample.
These visits are free and can be conducted remotely.
For their participation, clinical trial enrollees will receive a $40 stipend for each visit.
For more information about the clinical trial or to join, reach out to the program manager, Ashley LaRoche via email at larochea@uthscsa.edu or by phone at 210-450-7249.
The trial is being offered at The Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases in the Center for Brain Health at UT Health San Antonio.
2. Help Test the Effects of Neuromodulation Devices on Mental Health
Alzheimer’s disease is a disease that affects cognitive functioning, which can severely impact emotional stability and mental health.
Symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s include depression, anxiety, irritability, and lack of motivation, which can all impact someone’s quality of life.
That’s why San Antonio researchers are looking into alternative ways to address these symptoms.
One way to do it is through the use of a portable, noninvasive, brain stimulation device that can be used at home.
These devices emit a low-level electrical current to targeted areas of the brain, which can improve mood and cognitive function.
Researchers are looking to test these devices and monitor the effectiveness of alleviating some of these symptoms.
This study takes place over 5 weeks with 30-minute visits conducted remotely through video meetings to assess the effectiveness of the device.
Eligible participants will have an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, be 60 or older, can speak and read English, have reliable internet connection, and experience mental health symptoms associated with the disease.
For more information or to enroll in the clinical trial, reach out to study assistant Layla Garcia by email at GarciaL37@uthscsa.edu or call 210-450-8029.
The trial is being offered at The Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases in the Center for Brain Health at UT Health San Antonio.
3. Help Support Technology in Dementia Research
This San Antonio study aims to use smart devices to track and monitor the daily activities of individuals with early/prodromal Dementia with Lewy Body or mild cognitive impairment who have been diagnosed with REM sleep behavior disorder.
This study takes place over the course of a year with two clinic visits and a weekly survey.
Participants will complete online health surveys and memory activities every week, have small sensors placed in rooms of the home, and will wear a wristband that works in tandem with the sensors.
Participants are eligible to receive up to $25 a month for their involvement.
Those participating will be at least 50 years old or older, have access to the internet, have someone who can help them participate, and have the diagnosis stated above.
If you think you’re a good candidate, please contact Layla Garcia by email at GarciaL37@uthscsa.edu or call 210-450-8029.
The trial is being offered at The Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases in the Center for Brain Health at UT Health San Antonio.
Find Alzheimer’s and Dementia Clinical Trials Near You
Alzheimer’s can affect your entire familia, including our abuelos, moms, and dads.
Clinical trials can help us fight for our familia.
Visit our clinical trials page to find a clinical trial, read about hero volunteers, and more!
“Volunteers in clinical trials are not only helping themselves, but they’re also building a future with better treatments that can help their families in the future,” said Dr. Amelie Ramirez, director of Salud America! and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio.
In San Antonio, find clinical trial opportunities at the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio’s Find a Clinical Trial database.
On a national level, visit clinicaltrials.gov to find a clinical trial near you.
Addressing Alzheimer’s and Dementia in South Texas
Alzheimer’s and related dementias continue to ravage communities and families in South Texas, where many Latinos call home.
There are many societal and background-prevalent factors that contribute to inconsistencies in the Alzheimer’s and dementia care continuum.
Many of these factors stem from some of the modifiable risk factors included on this list.
To address some of these inconsistencies, UT San Antonio launched the San Antonio Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) Population Aging and Social Studies (CAPAS), which is funded by the National Institute on Aging.
Led by Drs. Rebeca Wong and Fernando Riosmena, CAPAS seeks to bring together multidisciplinary groups of experts and research networks in demography, sociology, AD/ADRD epidemiology, neuropsychology, public health issues, and experience conducting longitudinal studies for AD/ADRD research and Latino aging.
“By combining our strengths, we can address Alzheimer’s disease from every angle — from molecules and biomarkers to families, neighborhoods and communities,” Dr. Wong told UT San Antonio Today.
For more information on Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, or what researchers are doing to improve health outcomes in aging Latino adults, please visit the CAPAS center website.
Additional Alzheimer’s resources for patients and caregivers are available in English and Spanish on the Alzheimer’s Association website.
By The Numbers
142
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Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years
