Barbara Fradkin – Hometown News
Q: What exactly are clinical trials?
A: That is a great question and a topic worth learning more about. Clinical trials are research studies with volunteers, designed to learn more about how our bodies respond to drugs, treatments or procedures.
Clinical trials often start in the laboratory, with the most promising breakthroughs moving forward into clinical trials. As trials progress, more information is gained about the treatment, its risks and its effectiveness.
Central Florida has several companies dedicated to research and clinical trials. Merritt Island Medical Research is conducting trials for potential new Alzheimer’s disease treatments which may prevent, slow, or reverse the progression of memory loss. The passionate staff is working with Florida’s senior community to help find a solution for Alzheimer’s disease.
Clincloud is a clinical research provider with locations in Viera and the Orlando area. They are working on early detection of fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, multiple sclerosis, O.C.D. and migraines. Also in Orlando, Charter Research is working on Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, diabetic nerve pain, and sciatica. Who would have known all these were being studied so close to home?
People have many different reasons for participating in clinical trials. Many like the idea of helping others and moving science forward. Others with significant illness or disease may want a chance at the newest treatment and/or to receive additional care and attention from clinical trial staff.
Clinical trials offer hope for many people and an opportunity to help researchers find better treatments for others in the future. Depending on the needs of the trial, researchers may seek volunteers who are healthy or who are receiving care for a medical condition. Jessica Branning, CEO from Clincloud said, “Participation in a clinical trial goes beyond a contribution to science. It provides hope for a cure.”
Liver scans and memory testing are performed free of charge each month by clinical trial providers at One Senior Place. Check OneSeniorPlace.com to learn more.
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One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Questions for this column are answered by professionals in nursing, social work, care management and in-home care. Send questions to askOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging at OneSeniorPlace.com. Barbara Fradkin is a Social Worker, Certified Care Manager and the Director of One Senior Place, Viera.
