Alzheimer’s Disease Global Clinical Research Study

For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Emily Isbill
405-601-5851
eisbill@lhsi.net

Lynn Institute Participating in Alzheimer’s Disease Global Clinical Research Study

Did you know that Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States? Did you know that among our nation’s leading causes of death, it is the only disease without any treatments or cures?

Right here in Oklahoma City, Lynn Institute is participating in a global clinical research study that is evaluating an oral investigational medication that may help slow down the progression of what could be very early Alzheimer’s disease.

It is called the APECS Study and it is studying people with prodromal Alzheimer’s disease, which is the very early stage of the disease when minor symptoms first appear. A person in this early stage may have more memory problems than normal for their age, but are still able to carry out most daily activities.

“People who are sometimes forgetful may wonder if they are showing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and a diagnosis can only be confirmed through medical testing,” said Dr. Carl Griffin, MD, Principal Investigator. “Early signs include having a hard time recalling recent, small events such as where you put your keys or having trouble remembering conversations, important dates or phone numbers. Everyone forgets things now and then, but if it happens more than usual it could be a sign of something more and you should talk to your doctor about it.”

The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will escalate rapidly in coming years as the baby boom generation ages. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease may nearly triple, from 5 million to as many as 16 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or stop the disease

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, medication and non-medication treatments may help with both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Researchers are looking for new treatments to alter the course of the disease and improve the quality of life for people with dementia.

“That’s why the research we are doing here in Oklahoma City is so important,” said Dr. Griffin.

Dr. Griffin said that through participation in the APECS Study:

You may find out if your forgetfulness is due to very early Alzheimer’s disease
All study-related drugs and medical tests will be provided at no cost
Your health will be monitored throughout the study by a team of medical experts
You may be compensated for time and travel
You will help advance medical research for Alzheimer’s disease

To qualify for participation, you must:

Be between 50 and 85 years of age
Have had memory problems for at least one year
Have someone in your life that can attend study visits with you
and help you follow study requirements

If you meet these participation criteria or know someone who does, contact Lynn Institute at 405-447-8839 or fill out the online form.

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