Mobile Research Unit Increases Access to Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials for Floridians

In honor of World Alzheimer’s Day, the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation continues to push for diversity in Alzheimer’s clinical trials

WASHINGTON, DC, Sept. 20, 2022 — In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day (Sept. 21), the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation (GAP) is bringing its mobile research unit into Orlando-area communities. This continues GAP’s work toward increasing participation of traditionally underrepresented communities in Alzheimer’s clinical research.

This summer, through a similar effort, GAP’s mobile research unit began pre-screening people for an Alzheimer’s clinical trial. That effort resulted in 59 percent of volunteers being people who are Latino and African American.

John Dwyer, GAP President, said those early results are in stark contrast to the typical rate of one to three percent for minority involvement in clinical trials.

“There is nothing more gratifying than seeing the difference it makes once barriers to access are removed,” Dwyer said. “This is what our mobile research unit is all about. We’re glad to be able to meet people in their communities this week, and beyond, to work together to stop Alzheimer’s disease.”

At every GAP mobile site stop, people who are typically at risk for developing Alzheimer’s can participate in pre-screening visits that only take 15-20 minutes, versus a typical screening that takes several hours. These screenings will tell whether a person is able to participate in the first GAP-enabled fully supported Alzheimer’s prevention clinical trial.

Other resources offered at each stop can include brain health education, free memory screenings and information from other local partners about community resources.

“In Florida alone, one out of every 37 people will develop Alzheimer’s disease — unless we one day find a prevention or cure to stop it,” said Edgardo Rivero, MD, who is a full-time Principal Investigator at Charter Winter Park research center and is part of the community of GAP-Net clinical research centers.

“Latino and African American people are disproportionately affected by many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and COVID-19. Together, we can begin addressing these health disparities. For people with Alzheimer’s or early Alzheimer’s symptoms, that includes participating in clinical research,” he added.

The World Alzheimer’s Day mobile research site schedule includes the following stops and events:

Sept. 21 — Health event at Metrohealth

From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

GAP mobile unit Alzheimer’s pre-screening study, games, food and resources for caregivers

MetroHealth, Inc. of East Orlando

10025 E Colonial Dr, Orlando