HOSTED BY BANNER ALZHEIMER'S INSTITUTE
By Alzheimer's Prevention Bulletin
This month's expert is Pierre N. Tariot, MD, director, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute.
Dear Dr. Tariot,
My father and mother-in-law both have Alzheimer’s disease. I’ve been reading that more and more companies are giving up on their research in this field. I don’t want to give up. What can I do to help?
-Sharon Shape
Sharon,
I understand the stress your family must be dealing with and your zeal to put this devastating disease behind us. The good news is that you – and your family members and friends – absolutely can do something. Because of tremendous advances in the understanding of how Alzheimer’s develops, there are many studies in need of participants now, with many more to come – literally tens of thousands of people just like you. The only limiting factor in getting these studies done is volunteers. We need a veritable army of interested people!
Did you know that the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act, passed in 2011, set an aggressive goal of effectively treating and preventing Alzheimer’s by 2025? That’s a huge challenge, but you can help by encouraging family members and friends to join you on the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry. There, they learn more about studies in search of volunteers. While you’re at it, make a point of taking a look every now and then for studies that might be right for you.
At the Registry website, you’ll also find resources for caregivers and a community of support. I wish you and your family all the best and do hope that you’ll join us in meeting our audacious 2025 goal.