Clinical Trials and the Alzheimer’s Disease Patient

Author

Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida

Posted on

Oct 08, 2009

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

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Within the next 40 years, the number of those in the United States diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease will jump from five million to an estimated 13 million. It is hoped that treatments currently being developed and tested by pharmaceutical companies will ultimately change the course and symptomatic progression of this debilitating disorder. Of particular interest are treatments aimed at slowing or stopping the progression of cognitive decline rather than maximizing existing cognitive functions, as other treatments do.
Before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves any prescription or over-the-counter medication, it subjects the pharmaceutical to rigorous clinical trials. These double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized studies are performed at research centers throughout the country, allowing those with Alzheimers Disease and other disorders to obtain new and potentially efficacious treatments before they are generally available.

Through Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida, numerous Southwest Florida residents have participated in clinical research trials of pharmaceutical treatments that are now FDA-approved, including Namenda, Aricept and more.

What trials are currently enrolling and who can participate?

Enrollment for clinical research trials is guided by diagnostic and other criteria. Each FDA-regulated trial is closely monitored by an independent institutional review board, with the safety and privacy of each subject paramount. Among currently enrolling trials are those seeking subjects who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate and moderate to severe Alzheimers Disease.

This article was submitted by By Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Principal
investigator, Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Center. He can be reached at 239-939-7777.




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