Photo by Keith Tanner | Unsplash.com

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Did you forget where you parked your car? Lost your keys again? Forgot your neighbor’s last name?

Some of those memory slips are par for the course. After all, between 40 to 50 percent of people over age 50 report memory concerns, according to the National Institute on Aging. So how to do you know if your “senior moments” are a normal part of aging or a sign of a more serious condition such as mild cognitive impairment or even Alzheimer’s disease?

Nearly seven million Americans age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, 13 million may have the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. And there’s no cure yet.

Early detection is important

If you’re concerned about your memory, talk to your doctor because early detection can help.

Pharmasite Research, located in Pikesville, invites anyone aged 55 to 90 years to call and learn more about its studies. The site, operated by Headlands Research, is currently recruiting for two clinical trials, and more studies will open later this year.

“Our current clinical trials are focused on exploring new treatment possibilities for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Through early screening, we can identify individuals who may benefit from participation,” said Dr. Dima Hnooshi, principal investigator.

The focus of Pharmasite’s current research is on the very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, through the mild to moderate range. Qualified participants may be eligible for a free, in-person consultation to see if they are eligible. Afterwards they can determine whether participation in a research study is right for them.

Pharmasite’s clinical trials can last between six months to two years. Participants usually visit the Pikesville office between once a month to once every three months, depending on the study design. Free parking and compensation are available.

Hope for the future

Enrolling in a clinical trial may sound daunting, but many patients find that it’s safe — and rewarding.

“It’s important to be aware that so much goes into reviewing these trials,” said Dr. Christopher Romero, principal investigator and medical director of Headlands Research. The FDA approves each trial, paving the way for medical advances. “If you’ve ever taken a medication, if you’ve ever used a medical device — these things have only come about because of clinical research.”

Participants are critical to finding a future
treatment (or, more likely, treatments)
for Alzheimer’s disease.

“Individuals who volunteer in clinical trials are the pioneers who are driving the science forward and are mission critical to us to one day have effective treatments to stop the ongoing onslaught of Alzheimer’s disease,” Romero said. “We would never develop these new therapeutics without volunteers that are willing to contribute to the science.”

For more information on memory-related studies or to schedule a free memory test, call (855) 367-8834.