SOME ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED ABOUT OUR RESEARCH
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WHAT KIND OF STUDIES DO YOU DO?
We do a lot of different studies. Some of these studies can be very simple, like asking you some questions about your life-style over the phone and others can be more complicated involving the administration of pioneering new drugs or involving blood and imaging tests. All of these studies are helping us towards a better understanding of these diseases and ultimately a cure.
DOES YOUR RESEARCH ONLY INVOLVE ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
No. We do research with people who have a variety of memory disorders most commonly Alzheimer's Disease but also people with other forms of dementia such as Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Parkinson's Disease as well as in people with less severe memory problems such as Mild Cognitive Impairment. Some of our studies also need people without any obvious memory problems.
WHY SHOULD I BOTHER TO GET INVOLVED?
By taking part, you could help future patients with dementia
Receive robust general health and memory screening, and ongoing monitoring
Receive full physical and neurological examinations
Regular contact with an experienced and skilled multidisciplinary research team
Receive more advice, information and support
Potentially take medication that may improve memory
DOES THE MEMORY ASSESSMENT AND RESEARCH CENTER MAKE A PROFIT OUT OF THESE RESEARCH STUDIES?
No. MARC is run within the NHS. All money coming into MARC from commercial companies or charities is used to pay for the salary costs of staff or other costs needed to run the studies or for our educational activities.
DO I GET PAID FOR TAKING PART IN THESE STUDIES?
No, but any expenses, such as travelling costs, that you incur will be reimbursed.
CAN I GUARANTEE THAT I WILL GET AN ACTIVE TREATMENT RATHER THAN A PLACEBO?
In a lot of drug studies people are often randomly given either an active treatment or a placebo. It is not possible to guarantee which one you will get. However, some studies when they finish will allow people to be commenced on the active treatment when the study ends.
HOW MUCH TIME COMMITMENT IS INVOLVED?
It depends on the study. Some can take less than an hour in total. Other studies can take 2 hours several times a year for up to two years.