Living with a debilitating disease is one thing, but living with a disease that doesn't have a cure is an entirely different matter. Alzheimer's falls into the latter, and as yet, no prescription drug or medical treatment can cure it. The best patients and their families can do is to adapt to the circumstances. On the other hand, there are those who would rather go for new but untested procedures and hope for the best.
Clinical trials for Alzheimer's Disease are entirely voluntary in nature. A doctor may recommend that a patient take part in such a trial, although the patient ultimately has the final word on it. Even then, the patient may still be screened if he or she fits the trial's criteria for potential test subjects. Before any actual testing takes place, participants are informed of the potential risks and benefits of the medicine being tested.
Some consider that the advantages of participating in a clinical trial somewhat outweigh the risks involved, given that the patient's treatment expenses are largely paid for by the sponsor agency. In addition, the patient is allowed to opt out at anytime. Finally, any knowledge gained at the end of the trial is surely going to benefit the medical field and, hopefully, inspires more research in the future.
Clinical trials for Alzheimer's Disease are entirely voluntary in nature. A doctor may recommend that a patient take part in such a trial, although the patient ultimately has the final word on it. Even then, the patient may still be screened if he or she fits the trial's criteria for potential test subjects. Before any actual testing takes place, participants are informed of the potential risks and benefits of the medicine being tested.
Some consider that the advantages of participating in a clinical trial somewhat outweigh the risks involved, given that the patient's treatment expenses are largely paid for by the sponsor agency. In addition, the patient is allowed to opt out at anytime. Finally, any knowledge gained at the end of the trial is surely going to benefit the medical field and, hopefully, inspires more research in the future.
