About Clinical Research Studies

Medical research is the only way we can find improved treatment options for Alzheimer's. By taking part in a clinical research study, you may play a critical role in bringing a new Alzheimer's medicine forward, as well as advancing science and improving management of the disease in the future.

Every participant should:

Stay involved and ask questions. As with any important health decision, it is important that you understand fully what is involved before deciding to take part in a clinical study. Make sure you read all of the information you are given, and ask a member of the study team if anything is not clear. You may also want to talk to your doctor about whether taking part is right for you. The study team will be able to talk to you about what other treatment options are available to you.

Understanding the informed consent process

‘Informed consent’ is a process that takes place before you join the study, and is a legal requirement for all clinical research studies. As part of the process, a member of the study team will describe all of the possible risks and benefits of taking part in the study, and what you will be expected to do. National regulatory authorities, such as the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), require that anyone wishing to participate in a study has to sign an informed consent document that has been approved by an ethics committee. This process helps to protect the rights of subjects participating in research. Before signing the informed consent document, you will be encouraged to ask any questions you may have about the study. You will also be told about who will see your personal medical information, and how it will be kept confidential. Even if you sign the consent form, you can still change your mind and stop participating in the study at any time.

You are in control

If at any time during the study you decide that you no longer want to take part, you have the option to stop participating. You will need to tell a member of the study team, and you may be asked to make a final study visit for your own safety and to complete the study records.

Keep your personal physician informed

If you qualify and consent to take part in this study, you may wish to tell your doctor that you are volunteering for a clinical study. You may also wish to let your doctor know how long you will be involved in the study, and the name of the doctor(s) at the study centre. Please ask a member of the study team if you would like them to talk to your doctor about the study and what is involved.

For more information about clinical research studies, visit http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/info/understand or http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Clinical-trials/Pages/Introduction.aspx. (Note: you will be leaving this website. This link is provided for informational purposes only and we cannot take responsibility for the contents of any third-party website.)