Information for Families and Care Partners

Families and care partners are an important part of the clinical research process. They often help provide information about changes in memory, thinking, daily functioning, and overall health that may not be fully apparent during a clinic visit.

Depending on the study, a family member, friend, or other care partner may be asked to attend visits, assist with scheduling and transportation, complete questionnaires, or help monitor how the participant is doing between visits. The specific time commitment and responsibilities vary by study.

We understand that research participation must fit into real life. Our team works with patients and families to schedule visits as conveniently as possible and to make participation manageable around work, family responsibilities, travel, and other commitments.

Before enrollment, our team will review the expected visit schedule, procedures, and time commitment in detail so that patients and families can decide whether a study is a practical fit.

Participation in a clinical trial is always voluntary. Patients and families are encouraged to ask questions, take time to consider the information provided, and decide together whether a particular study is a good fit.

Research participation does not guarantee that a participant will receive an active treatment or personally benefit from a study. However, every participant and family helps advance knowledge that may lead to better options for future patients.

Every medication currently approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease has been made possible by patient participation in clinical trials.

The first patient that is cured from Alzheimer’s disease will be a clinical trial participant.

You do not have to go through this alone. The Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center of Albany team is here to guide patients and families through the process, answer questions clearly, and support you at every step.

Our team is available to explain each study in detail and help patients and families understand what participation would involve before any decision is made.