Neurological Disorders

Alzheimer's Disease

Clinical Trials Latest News

Should Volunteers in Studies Receive the Study Results - [06/06/08]

Summary: Many Americans voluntarily participate in clinical trials, from taking health surveys, to allowing analysis of their DNA, or even testing new medicines. Now some researchers are questioning whether they should share the results of the test with the volunteers, and if they should share the overall results, or just the results of the single volunteer.

Comment: There are many sides to the issue, including the ethics, privacy issues, and the financial problems of preparing the results for each individual person. Researchers are unsure, but may possibly study the outcomes of sharing results. They believe that there is a possibility for the NIH and local Institutional Review Boards to require communication plans as a part of each study.

Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com June 6, 2008

Clinical Trial for Alzheimer's Medication - [04/18/08]

Summary: This study will evaluate an investigational medication for Alzheimer's disease. Candidates must be aged 55 to 90 and have a reliable caregiver accompany them to each outpatient visit. Health insurance is not required.

Comment: This study is in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Read article - Healthfinder.gov. April 18, 2008
Read article - Center Watch.

Scientists Begin Testing Alzheimer's Vaccine - [02/18/08]

Summary: Doctors at Emory University will begin testing a vaccine designed to slow the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. In laboratory mice, the vaccine produced antibodies that cleared the buildup of beta-amyloid, the protein that forms plaques.

Comment: Researchers hope that a vaccine could effectively rally a patient's immune system to change the course of the disease, rather than treat the symptoms alone. Limited evidence from human trials suggest that a vaccine could be effective.

Read article - Health News Digest. February 18, 2008.