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LEARNING YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHY BRAIN: Clinical Research and Clinical Trials

An Information guide on Brain Health for Older Adults

What is a Clinical Trial?

A Clinical Study involves research using human volunteers (also called participants) that is intended to add to medical knowledge. A study may be local, national or international and participants come from all walks of life.  There are two main types of clinical studies: clinical trials (also called interventional studies) and observational studies.  Click here to read about Clinical studies on the Clinicaltrials.gov website.

The Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital are looking for participants for a study called the POINTER STUDY. The purpose of this study is to see if lifestyle changes, adapted to American culture and delivered in the community, can protect memory and thinking (cognition) as people age.

Please view the video found below in the box on the right side of this guide page for more information.

Videos

U. S. National Registries

National Registries

The Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry, led by Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, unites leading researchers with people like you who are interested in taking part in Alzheimer’s studies. They  focus their work on helping scientists advance our knowledge of Alzheimer’s and its prevention. Join today!

The Brain Health Registry (USCF)  is a web-based, observational research study designed to effectively capture extensive amounts of data that may enable researchers to more efficiently identify, assess, and longitudinally monitor the cognitive changes associated with the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging. Join today!

National Research

Clinical Trials.gov is a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world.

Global Alzheimer’s Platform is a network of over 80 clinical trial sites across North America, who benefit from sharing knowledge and experience in order to effectively and efficiently work toward research progress in neurodegenerative conditions.

Rhode Island Memory and Aging Research Centers and Registries

Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital (345 Blackstone Boulevard | 1st Floor Weld Building | Providence, RI 02906 | 401-455-6403)

The Butler Hospital Memory & Aging Program (MAP) is a worldwide leader in Alzheimer’s disease research. An affiliate of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, MAP has a 20+ year history of excellence in clinical care, training, and cutting-edge research aimed at developing new and better ways to detect, treat, and someday even prevent Alzheimer’s. Learn more about clinical trials at Memory and Aging Program.

Butler’s Alzheimer's Prevention Registry:  The Alzheimer's Prevention Registry allows them to match people interested in participating in research, with studies for which they may qualify. You can join easily online, and joining does not mean you are ever required to participate in any study; they will simply notify you when a study becomes available that may be a good match for you. Join today!

Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center at Rhode Island Hospital  (Ambulatory Patient Center (APC) | Rhode Island Hospital | 593 Eddy Street | Providence, RI 02903 | 401-444-6440

The Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center at Rhode Island Hospital offers a full range of diagnostic and treatment services, including brain imaging, genetic testing, and neuropsychological evaluation. The center is nationally known not only for its clinical services but also for its research, including the clinical trials program that offers the latest in leading-edge new therapies aimed to treat and also delay, and ultimately prevent, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.  Learn more about clinical trials at Memory Disorders Research Center.

The Rhode Island Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Registry:  One of the biggest roadblocks to developing effective prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s disease is identifying volunteers to participate in current and planned studies. By joining the Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Registry, members will be alerted to new research opportunities for which they may qualify, receive educational news and information through their newsletter, and have annual memory testing by phone. Join today!

Rhode Island Mood and Memory Research Institute (1018 Waterman Ave | Providence, RI 02914 | 401-435-8950)

Rhode Island Mood & Memory Research Institute (RIMMRI) is always looking for new patients to help further the development of new medications. They specialize in Alzheimer's disease Research. RIMMRI is offering new study trials and is always looking for volunteers so check back often!  Learn more about clinical trials at Rhode Island Mood and Memory.

Internet Articles

U.S. Pointer Study @ Butler Hospital Memory and Aging Program

What is the U.S. POINTER study?

Can a healthy lifestyle protect against memory loss? The U.S. POINTER Study, located at the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital and sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, is testing whether two healthy lifestyle programs can protect brain health and prevent memory loss in older adults. For more information and to participate call 401-POINTER (401-764-6837) or email pointer@butler.org.

Books from Rhode Island Public Libraries