ActivMed announces it’s 2020 Citizen Scientist Nominees
Terry Stubbs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2020
ActivMed Practices & Research, Inc.
978-655-7155
info@activmedresearch.com
2020 Citizen Scientist Awards®
Methuen, MA: Today, Activmed Practices & Research, Inc., a private clinical research site, announced the nominees for the 2020 Citizen Scientist Awards®.
For the second year in a row, ActivMed has nominated a select few of their study participants for this first-of-its-kind award to celebrate Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial participants. ActivMed is part of a network of sites affiliated with the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation (GAP). GAP is a network of more than 80 private and academic clinical trial sites across the U.S. and Canada.
Each nominated individual will be presented with a certificate for being named a Citizen Scientist Award® Nominee. Four selected honorees will be chosen from all GAP-Net sites and will be recognized at the annual National Alzheimer’s Summit in Washington D.C., held in the fall of each year.
According to a 2016 Harris Poll undertaken by GAP, 60% of Americans are willing or would consider participation in Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials, but fewer than 10% do so. ActivMed works alongside GAP to increase awareness of clinical trials, through education about the disease and what participation involves.
A lack of volunteers for Alzheimer’s clinical trials is one of the greatest obstacles slowing the progress of potential new treatments.
This year’s nominees are:
Ted Boileau- Champion Award
Haverhill, MA
Ted has a personal dedication to contributing to the advancement of treatments for Alzheimer’s, having watched his father struggle with the disease. With a background in the pharmaceutical industry, Ted is passionate about bringing new options to future generations.
Alan Hall- Cornerstone Award
Orr’s Island, ME
Alan travels 250 miles roundtrip to participate in an Alzheimer’s clinical trial. His committment to helping future generations and gaining a sense of control over his health is evident in his positive attitude.
Katherine Hall- Collaborator Award
Orr’s Island, ME
New in 2020, the Collaborator Award aims to recognize the heroes that contribute to making participation in an Alzheimer’s study possible. Study partneres are crucial in helping participants attend study visits, and offer insights into any changes that may happen over time. Katherine travels with her husband Alan Hall from Maine to our Methuen office for monthly study visits. Katherine is also involved in a local community support group for Alzheimer’s.
We congratulate the nominees for 2020, and appreciate their committment to participating in research studies.
GAP’s philosophy is “the only way to find treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s is through clinical trials and these volunteers make that research possible”.
About ActivMed Practices & Research, Inc.: ActivMed is a clinical research network with 4 locations, based in Methuen, MA. Founded in 1994, ActivMed has conducted over 800 clinical trials, offering
the same trials that are available in Boston hospitals without the hassle of travel and parking. ActivMed was voted One of the Top 25 places to Work North of Boston for 2014 by North of Boston Business Magazine.
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Alzheimer’s Research: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
On June 18, 2020, we had our first Virtual Alzheimer’s Presentation! Our Chief Medical Director, Dr. Michael J. McCartney, took some time to talk about the history of Alzheimer’s and the research we are working on today.
A brief history of Alzheimer’s
- Alois Alzheimer – German neurologist discovered the disease in 1906.
- At the time, the disease was only able to be diagnosed through an autopsy of the brain after death.
- First diagnosed patient was Auguste Deter.
From 1906 to 2020, there has been progress along the way, but research is recent. The first Alzheimer’s drug trial was in 1987, and yet there are only 5 FDA- approved drugs available in the U.S today. These drugs only temporarily help memory and thinking problems but do not treat the underlying causes of the disease or slow its progression. There is still no cure for this disease.
No NEW drugs have been approved since 2003, although there is some promise in a new drug that Biogen is planning to file a Biologics License Application with the FDA for this year. If approved, the anti-amyloid antibody, aducanumab, would be the first approval in 16 years.
Current Alzheimer’s Research
Around the world, there are approximately 600 clinical trials looking at new treatments for Alzheimer’s.
There are two types of Alzheimer’s treatment trials:
- Treatments aimed at reducing symptoms.
- Treatments aimed at slowing or stopping the disease.
Prevention trials:
Researchers hope that early intervention in individuals at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s will prevent cognitive decline.
Studies on other types of treatments such as:
- Medications
- Dietary supplements
- Non-drug therapies
- Behavioral interventions
- Exercise / Nutrition
- Physical treatments including acupuncture, electromagnetic devices, light therapy devices and even surgery.
Local Studies being done at ActivMed
Over the last 12 years, ActivMed has conducted 18 clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease. We focus on Alzheimer’s in our Methuen and Lawrence, MA sites, where we also work with New England Neurological Associates.
Types of studies we have done include device studies, non-invasive (non-drug), and drug therapies.
Alzheimer’s studies focus on early memory loss, mild-to-moderate stages, or healthy subjects.
A lack of volunteers for Alzheimer’s clinical trials is one of the greatest obstacles slowing the progress of potential new treatments.
Community Awareness
ActivMed is also partnered with the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation, a non-profit organization, to help move research forward by raising awareness for clinical research to increase participation. As a GAP-Net site, we work together to educate and engage with our community for Alzheimer’s research.
We are partnered with GAP to share information about a current Alzheimer’s clinical trial called the Clarity Study.
The Clarity AD Study is underway to evaluate an investigational drug in adults who suffer from memory loss. If this sounds like you or a loved one, consider enrolling today.
You may qualify if you:
- Are between the ages of 50 and 90
- Have a study partner willing to attend clinic appointments with you
- Have a recent history of memory decline with gradual progression over the last year
If you qualify and participate you will receive study- related testing and medical care as well as travel stipend.
Contact us today to see if you or a loved one may qualify. Call 978-655-7155 or click here.
Memory loss or normal aging?
Many people might experience some memory issues and may be stressed or worried but are afraid to seek help. Most primary care doctors check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, but don’t check your memory.
Recommended for adults over age 50, a memory screening can offer a baseline to be able to determine if there are changes each year. At ActivMed, we offer these screenings to the community at no cost to you. We do not bill your insurance, and only share the results with your doctor if you request it.
These assessments can be done in our office or as a telehealth appointment. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes where we ask questions that will test different cognitive areas. Your privacy and health information are protected under HIPAA guidelines. We will not share or sell your information.
Call 978-655-7155 for more information
You can watch the entire presentation below and hear the questions and answers at the end.