Free Drug Clinical Trials for Seniors

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approves all drugs which are prescribed in the U.S.A., after evaluation of the effectiveness of the drug based on clinical trial studies.  More than half of prescribed drugs originated from a natural plant or animal product and to develop new medications to treat Alzheimer's Disease, cancer and other illnesses, clinical trial studies must be conducted.

What are the benefits of participating in a drug clinical trial?  You will have the benefit of access to top research physicians and the latest investigational drugs which may work.  Most trial subjects receive close medical follow-up, free medical assessments and may be paid for their time and risks.  You will also be actively contributing to an activity which may help society.

What are the disadvantages of participating in a drug clinical trial?  You will need to verify you meet the participation guidelines and commit your time to telephone and in-person interviews, fill out necessary applications and attend required meetings, along with tracking your in-take of the drug.

What should you know before agreeing to participate?

• Double-Blind Trial:  a study that usually compares two drugs or a drug versus an inactive sugar pill.  To eliminate bias, neither the researchers nor the participants know which treatment the subject is on.
• Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:  reviews all the characteristics that define the ideal medical subject for the study - read this information first to know if you will meet the requirements.
• Sponsor of the Study:  find out the company funding the study to make sure it is legitimate - most studies will be conducted by a pharmaceutical company, government agency, foundation or health care institution.
• Subject:  this is the term used for clinical trial participants
• Risks and Benefits:  the clinical trial study must disclose all possible risks and benefits expected

You should also be sure to find out which phase the trial is in and how the trial may impact your daily life.  Remember, in double-blind studies, some people will receive a placebo pill.  Sometimes participants taking the placebo improve, due to their mental belief the drug is working.  This "placebo effect" continues to be a fascinating benefit of clinical drug trials.

Learn about available clinical trials looking for participants:

Radiant Research

ICARA: Investigational Clinical Amyloid research in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Study by Acurian

Alzheimer's Association Clinical Trial Index