Interested in Clinical Research? Start Here.

You don’t necessarily need to know which trial you want

Clinical trials have specific eligibility criteria, and research sites help determine whether a particular study may be appropriate for you. You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly which trial you want — you need to arrive with enough information for the research team to assess whether you might fit.

Start with what you already know

Before contacting a research site, it helps to gather some basic information about your medical history and cognitive health:

You do not need to have all of these tests or results before contacting a research site. Gather what you have — the research team can help determine what else may be needed.

If you don’t have a diagnosis yet

You do not always need a final diagnosis before contacting a research site. Some studies recruit people with memory or thinking concerns, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), particular biomarkers or genetic risk factors, and some recruit people who are cognitively unimpaired.

Research participation is not a replacement for medical care, but screening for a clinical trial can sometimes provide access to testing that would otherwise be expensive or difficult to obtain.

Depending on the study, screening may include:

These tests are generally performed at no cost to the participant when they are required by the research protocol.

Whether individual results can be disclosed varies by the study, test, protocol, and research site. Ask: “Which of my screening or study results can be shared with me, and can I take those results to my healthcare provider?”

You may need a study partner

Many dementia and cognitive-impairment trials require participants to enroll with a study partner. The exact requirements vary by study.

Study partners are needed because:

• They can provide information about changes in memory, thinking, behavior, and day-to-day function that the participant may not notice themselves.
• Researchers may interview them or ask them to complete questionnaires or rating scales.
• They can help the research team understand whether something has changed over time.
• Depending on the study, they may help with appointments, medication or study-treatment logistics, and communication with the research team.

Who can be a study partner?

A study partner is often a spouse or partner, adult child, sibling, close friend, caregiver, or another person who knows the participant well. The study protocol determines the exact requirements. Generally, the person needs enough regular contact with the participant to reliably answer questions about their cognition and everyday functioning, and must be willing and able to participate in study-required visits, calls, or assessments. A study partner does not necessarily need to live with the participant unless a particular trial requires it.

Where can you look?

ClinicalTrials.gov is the largest public database of clinical studies in the United States and internationally. You can search by condition, location, phase, and recruitment status. Each study listing includes a summary, eligibility criteria, and contact information for the research site.

Will I be paid to participate?

Some clinical trials compensate participants for their time and inconvenience. Some may also reimburse expenses such as mileage, transportation, meals, parking, or lodging. Amounts and policies vary considerably by study. Payment is not guaranteed — ask the site exactly what compensation and reimbursement are offered before enrolling.

What about taxes?

Payments for participating in medical research may be taxable income. Whether you receive a tax form depends on the amount and circumstances, and not receiving a tax form does not necessarily mean the income is not reportable. Expense reimbursements may be treated differently depending on the circumstances. Keep records of payments and reimbursements and ask the research site what tax documentation it provides. For questions about your own tax situation, consult a qualified tax professional.

What happens after you contact a research site?

Contacting a site or completing a prescreen does not obligate you to participate and does not guarantee eligibility. You can withdraw at any point in the process.

Questions to ask before joining a study

These questions can help you understand what a study involves and whether it’s right for you. Tap each question to see why it matters.

Not sure what disease category fits?

If you’re not sure which condition applies to your situation, the “Understand what’s happening” pathway can help you work through cognitive changes, diagnosis, and testing — before exploring research.