Clinical Research & Trials

Clinical Research & Trials

For nearly four decades, Dr. Holub and the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center of Albany have participated in clinical research focused on Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, and related disorders.

Clinical research gives patients and families an opportunity to learn about emerging treatments, advanced testing, and research opportunities that may not otherwise be available in routine clinical care. Participation is always voluntary, and speaking with our team does not obligate anyone to enroll in a study.

Research at Our Center

Our research programs may include:

Treatment Studies
Studies of investigational medications, infusions, injections, devices, and other therapies intended to improve symptoms, slow progression, or affect the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s disease and related memory disorders.

Diagnostic and Biomarker Studies
Research involving cognitive testing, blood-based biomarkers, genetic testing, brain imaging, spinal fluid testing, and other tools intended to improve the detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related memory disorders.

Prevention and Early-Detection Studies
Studies for people who have no memory symptoms but may have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, genetic or biomarker evidence of increased risk, or an interest in brain-health research. Some prevention studies may also include people with very mild memory concerns or mild cognitive impairment.

Observational Studies
Research that follows participants over time to better understand memory changes, genetics, lifestyle, biomarkers, and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Studies Focused on Symptoms and Quality of Life
Some research evaluates potential treatments for symptoms such as anxiety, depression, agitation, apathy, sleep disturbance, and other concerns that can affect patients and care partners.

Who May Be Eligible?

Research opportunities may be available for people at many different stages of risk or memory change.

Some studies are designed for people with memory concerns, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive symptoms. Other studies are intended for people who have no current memory symptoms but may be at increased risk because of family history, genetics, biomarker findings, age, or other factors.

Certain prevention and early-detection studies may be appropriate for cognitively normal individuals who are interested in learning more about brain health or contributing to research before symptoms develop.

Eligibility varies by study. Our team can review a person’s symptoms, medical history, prior testing, family history, and goals to help determine whether a clinical evaluation, research prescreening, or specific study opportunity may be appropriate.

What to Expect

The first step is simply to contact our office or schedule a clinical appointment. Our team can learn more about the person’s symptoms, medical history, prior testing, and goals.

If a research opportunity may be appropriate, we will explain the study in detail, including what participation would involve, possible risks and benefits, visit requirements, and whether a care partner would need to participate.

No one is enrolled in a study without a thorough informed-consent process and the opportunity to ask questions.

Learn More

Explore the pages below to learn more about participating in research at our center:

• How to Participate in Clinical Trials
• Types of Clinical Research
• For Families & Care Partners
• Clinical Trial FAQs
• Genetic Testing and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk

Interested in Learning More?

Research opportunities change over time as new studies become available. Contact the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center of Albany to learn whether a clinical appointment, memory evaluation, or research prescreening may be appropriate for you or someone you care about.