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 Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. You don’t have to have Alzheimer’s to volunteer. Many registries and services are looking for healthy older adults and caregivers, too. Check out these registries and services:

• Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry–Open to individuals age 18 and older who are interested in learning about and possibly participating in Alzheimer’s prevention clinical studies and trials.

• Brain Health Registry–Open 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.

•FTD 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.

•GeneMatch–Open to adults ages 55 to 75 who are interested in enrolling in Alzheimer’s genetics studies.

• ResearchMatch–A 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.

• TrialMatch–The Alzheimer’s Association’s clinical studies matching service for individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and healthy volunteers.

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