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, where participation may include cognitive screenings, physical exams or providing information about your 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.
Many people are part of our clinical trial team to ensure a study is safe and ready to recruit volunteers.
Before a study is approved for recruitment, it is reviewed by our Institutional Review Board, also referred to as the IRB.
The IRB is a federally mandated committee of researchers, doctors, nurses and community members that serves to protect the rights and welfare of people volunteering in clinical trials.
The board reviews the benefits and risks of the study and can approve the study or require the researchers to make changes that will ensure the health and rights of our study volunteers are protected.
Throughout the study, results and processes are heavily monitored and recorded. If the board believes the trial is no longer at the benefit of a participant or is no longer complying with laws and regulations, they may terminate the clinical trial at any time.
If you are interested in being a part of research, a member from our clinical research team will happily meet with you to learn more about you and discuss which trials may meet your needs.
After you match with a clinical trial, an in-person screening appointment will be scheduled.
During the screening appointment, our team will take the time to explain the details of the trial and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
You will also discuss:
- Why we are doing the trial,
- What the process looks 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
- That participating in the trial is your choice and you can stop participating at any time.
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
If you want to stop participating in a clinical trial, you can stop participating at any time for any reason.
Questions?
We are here to help.
Call our clinical research voicemail, leave a brief message with your contact information and a member of our clinical research team will return your call to answer your questions.
Call 210-450-5555.