Frequently asked questions about clinical trials

Clinical trials are a type of scientific research that relies on members of the community working with our researchers to help us gain a deeper understanding of diseases and ultimately discover life-changing therapies and cures.

Currently, Texas ranks fourth in the number of Alzheimer’s disease cases and second in the number of deaths. Moreover, Hispanics and Blacks are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

By collaborating with individuals from diverse health and ethnic backgrounds, we can learn more about how these factors and other variations affect our brain health.

Benefits of neurological clinical studies include:

• Learning how our lifestyle, race and other demographics impact our brain health,
• Finding new or better treatments,
• Connecting people to health care and information on their brain health and
• Providing access to new treatment that is not yet available to the public.

No, not all clinical trials involve receiving treatment.

Some clinical trials are observational studies, and participation may include cognitive screenings, physical exams or providing information about one’s lifestyle.

In observational studies, persons without a dementia diagnosis or memory loss concerns may volunteer to help us learn about the differences in brain health.

Benefits of neurological clinical studies include:

• Learning how our lifestyle, race and other demographics impact our brain health,
• Finding new or better treatments,
• Connecting people to health care and information on their brain health and
• Providing access to new treatment that is not yet available to the public.

Many people are part of our clinical trial team to ensure a study is safe and ready to recruit volunteers.

Our Institutional Review Board, also known as the IRB, reviews studies before they are approved for recruitment. The IRB is a federally mandated committee of researchers, doctors, nurses, and community members that protects the rights and welfare of people volunteering in clinical trials.

The board reviews the study’s benefits and risks and can approve the study or require the researchers to make changes to protect the health and rights of our study volunteers.

Results and processes are heavily monitored and recorded throughout the study. If the board believes the trial is no longer beneficial to participants or is no longer complying with laws and regulations, it may terminate the clinical trial at any time.

If you are interested in being a part of the research, a member of our clinical research team will happily meet with you to learn more about you and discuss which trials may meet your needs.

An in-person screening appointment will be scheduled after you match with a clinical trial.

During the screening appointment, our team will explain the details of the trial and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

You will also discuss:

• Why are we doing the trial,
• What does the process look like, and what exams or procedures are involved,
• The timeframe of the trial,
• The possible benefits of taking part in the trial and possible risks or side effects, and
• Participating in the trial is your choice; you can stop participating anytime.

During the screening appointment, you may also receive a:

• Memory and thinking skills exam
• Neurological exam
• Review of daily functioning and behavior
• Blood pressure exam
• Blood draw
• Brain MRI

You can stop participating in a clinical trial anytime for any reason.