What are Observational Studies? In observational studies, researchers study specific
areas or topics related to a particular disease or symptom.
No medications or treatment are given. Instead, participants
are interviewed, observed, or complete questionnaires. The
information helps doctors understand diseases better and make
more accurate diagnoses.
The MAC conducts several observational studies on how certain
causes of dementia affect the brain. Depending on the study,
individuals may enroll in several studies simultaneously.
In some studies at the MAC, data from healthy volunteers
is compared to data from patients.
What are Clinical Trials? Clinical trials study the safety and effectiveness
of new treatments such as drugs or medical devices. Research
staff must follow protocols and rules set by the federal government.
The rules ensure that clinical trial participants are treated
as safely as possible.
The MAC conducts several clinical trials studying new drugs
for Alzheimer disease, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington
disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
