Types of Studies
At Banner Alzheimer's Institute (BAI), we conduct various clinical trials.
Depending on the trial, study participants may include individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and/or other memory disorders as well as individuals who have not.
Treatment Studies
Treatment studies entail the carefully regulated and monitored use of investigational drugs in individuals with Alzheimer's as well as those who do not yet have dementia but show early signs of memory loss.
Studies at BAI involving the use of investigational drugs include those intended to:
- Help individuals think and remember better
- Delay progression of memory and thinking problems
- Reduce agitation or similar symptoms associated with Alzheimer's
- Evaluate immunotherapies, such as vaccines, in slowing disease progression
- Treat individuals who have advanced dementia.
Other Clinical Research
Some research studies use brain imaging to help better understand the aging process in both healthy individuals as well as those with Alzheimer's or other dementias.
BAI is a national leader in the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to measure the pathology of Alzheimer's in the brain. Our research portfolio includes studies that focus on individuals who do not yet have dementia but are at increased risk for developing memory and thinking problems due to their age and genetic background, as well as studies focused on individuals in the early stages of the disease. BAI is also launching a new era of prevention research through the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative.
Research studies at BAI help:
- Assess the risk of Alzheimer's in healthy individuals
- Evaluate new techniques for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's
- Monitor the long-term course of those exhibiting initial signs of memory loss.
Many of these trials are conducted in collaboration with our Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium partners. In conjunction with the consortium, BAI also is developing new research opportunities for minority groups, including Latinos and Native Americans.
