ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE TRIALS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT MERIDIEN RESEARCH

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. While medications can help slow the decline of memory, more research is needed to combat this debilitating condition. 
 “Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, though the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older,” explained Kelli K. Maw, MD, MPH, principal investigator at Meridien Research in Brooksville, Florida. “Although current Alzheimer’s treatments cannot stop Alzheimer’s from progressing, they may temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.”

Researchers are working to uncover as many aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias as possible. Studies conducted at research sites like Meridien Research have played a key role in this progress.  the “Many of research studies we have open in our clinic are focused on memory loss, mild cognitive impairment and 
Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Maw said. “Florida is an ideal place to find participants for our studies because of the large senior population.”
By participating in an Alzheimer’s disease research study or clinical trial, people may:
• Receive access to investigational medications that are only available in clinical studies
• Receive study-related medical care from physicians with specific experience in Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss
• Contribute to medical research: clinical studies help unlock new answers about Alzheimer’s disease and are an essential part of finding new treatments
​ New investigational medications (including new investigational medications for Alzheimer’s disease) must successfully complete a three-phase process in clinical trials before being approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They must perform well enough in each phase to be allowed to progress on to the next one. 
Research participants at Meridien Research undergo careful evaluation by board certified study physicians and are closely followed by the medical staff.  There is no cost to participate and health insurance is not required. 
 “Before anyone can enroll in a clinical research study, they must be screened to be sure they are right for the study and that the study is right for them,” ex-plained Angela Brooke, site director for Meridien Research. “We are fortunate to have multiple Alzheimer’s disease studies going on simultaneously, so there is a good chance seniors living with the memory impairment will qualify for one!”
 By specializing in innovative Alzheimer’s and dementia studies, Meridien Research’s  Brooksville location offers complimentary memory screenings and evaluations, providing patients with knowledge about their personal memory health and the platform to talk with their Primary Care Providers about additional evaluations. 
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