Participants needed in clinical trials to advance Alzheimer's disease research
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – About 112,500 people in South Carolina are living with Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
To advance research, more than 50,000 participants are needed in clinical trials examining potential new treatments. Hundreds of thousands are needed in broader dementia research studies.
Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch is a free, easy-to-use service that connects interested individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, caregivers, and healthy volunteers with appropriate trials.
Experts believe there isn't a single cause of Alzheimer's, and research shows that adopting healthy habits can improve brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
They suggest proactively taking care of brain health, which includes challenging the mind, getting regular exercise, protecting the head from injuries, living a smoke-free life, controlling blood pressure, eating healthier foods, and getting quality sleep.
'We want people to know there are steps they can take to keep their brains healthy. We also want to encourage anyone experiencing memory or thinking problems to talk to their doctor. There are many possible causes — and if it is Alzheimer's disease, there are numerous benefits to getting a timely diagnosis,' said Ashton Houghton, executive director of Alzheimer's Association, South Carolina chapter.
To get a timely diagnosis, the Alzheimer's Association lists some of the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's. Some include memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, new problems with words in speaking or writing, changes in mood and personality.
Those interested can volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association to help those in the community take steps to reduce their dementia risk and recognize the signs of Alzheimer's, and can find volunteer opportunities on their website.
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.
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