How You Can Help Alzheimer's Research

By Jane Farrell

From the experts at the National Institute on Aging, a list of studies that people can consider joining as part of an effort to learn more about Alzheimer’s and other kinds of dementia:

Joining a registry or matching service can help advance research on AlzheimerΓÇÖs disease and dementia. You donΓÇÖt have to have AlzheimerΓÇÖs to volunteer. Many registries and services are looking for healthy older adults and caregivers, too. Check out these registries and services:

ΓÇó AlzheimerΓÇÖs Prevention RegistryΓÇôOpen to individuals age 18 and older who are interested in learning about and possibly participating in AlzheimerΓÇÖs prevention clinical studies and trials.

ΓÇó Brain Health RegistryΓÇôOpen to individuals age 18 and older who want to promote healthy brain function by preventing brain diseases, disorders, and injuries. Take online tests, and learn about opportunities to participate in a wide range of studies.

ΓÇóFTD Disorders Registry-A contact and research registry for people diagnosed with FTD, and open to family members, caregivers, or friends of people diagnosed with FTD (Frontotemporal Degeneration) disorders.

ΓÇóGeneMatchΓÇôOpen to adults ages 55 to 75 who are interested in enrolling in AlzheimerΓÇÖs genetics studies.

ΓÇó ResearchMatchΓÇôA service, funded by the National Institutes of Health, that helps match people of all ages interested in clinical trials with researchers. Requires an email address.

ΓÇó TrialMatchΓÇôThe AlzheimerΓÇÖs AssociationΓÇÖs clinical studies matching service for individuals with AlzheimerΓÇÖs, caregivers, and healthy volunteers.

Courtesy of National Institute on Aging. For more information on the agency’s research on aging, click here.