Why Participate?

We offer a variety of research opportunities for interested persons who wish to help us promote normal healthy brain aging for all, defeat diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, and improve the general medical health and well being of the aging population today.

Why Participate?

Participation in clinical trials and research is the only way we can hope to find cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and promote normal healthy brain and body aging for all!

Ongoing research opportunities exist for those:

  • Currently enrolled or planning enrollment in our Clinical Core activities, including normal or impaired persons
  • Interested in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders through our participation in the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) group trials and Industry Sponsored trials.
  • Interested in helping us understand memory and thinking in aged populations
  • Individuals of all genders, racial backgrounds, and ethnicities. Minority participants are encouraged to enroll.

Is Research Participation Safe?

Yes, current research guidelines require that the benefits are always greater than the risks associated with participation. Current research practices are regulated by protective committees and agencies at the university, local, state, and federal levels. At the UK-ADC and SBCoA, we stay focused on safety and ensure that you and your loved one's best interest always come first.

All of our personnel involved in human research activities have completed extensive training in the ethics, principles, and practices of conducting human clinical research (http://www.citiprogram.org/).

The research projects we engage in are regulated from the university to the federal level to ensure that we are meeting or exceeding the guidelines set forth by the Declaration of Helsinki. UK has an independent Office of Research Integrity that mandates all research conducted at UK be reviewed by the IRB (Institutional Review Board) to ensure safe and ethical medical research practices. In addition, the vast majority of our research studies have been reviewed and are overseen by IRBs at the National Institute of Health (NIH) and its centers, ensuring multiple levels of oversight and protection for our participants. At the UK-ADC and the SBCoA, we follow the strictest ethical guidelines to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones who might be participants, or consider participating in our ongoing research efforts!

How Do I Know What the Risks and Benefits of the Study Are?

Risks and benefits of participating in any study are described in the detailed consent form for each study. They are explained in easily understandable language.

Do I have to Participate?

Research participation is voluntary in all our activities. If you decide not to participate, it will in no way affect your planned or ongoing clinical care by our trained professional staff.

Can My Participation End Early?

If you enroll in one of our research activities and decide that you would like to end your participation in the study, you may do so without explanation. Your ongoing or planned clinical care with our staff will continue regardless of your research participation.

Who Will See My Information?

All research at the UK-ADC and the SBCoA is kept strictly confidential. Participants are assigned a study number (i.e. #812074) to protect confidentiality. Health care information released or obtained as part of your research participation is de-identified and not accessible to future employers or insurance agencies. Your private health information is protected by the UK-ADC and the SBCoA according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA regulations)

What if I have Questions, Suggestions, Concerns or Complaints?

If you have any questions, suggestions, concerns or complaints about enrolling in or during participation in a clinical study conducted by or affiliated with the UK-ADC or SBCoA, you should first contact the study principal investigator. If you have additional concerns or issues, you should contact Dr. Greg Jicha at the UK-ADC and SBCoA at (859) 257-1412 ext.255. You can also contact the staff in the Office of Research Integrity at the University of Kentucky at 859-257-9428 or toll free at 1-866-400-9428.

We hope this information is helpful and makes you feel comfortable with your decision to participate in our clinical research opportunities at the UK-ADC and SBCoA. Your involvement is critical if we ever hope to cure diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and promote normal, healthy brain aging for all!

Links to Websites for Further Information