It Takes Two – The Importance Of Study Partners In Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trials

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) currently afflicts close to 50 million people worldwide, with symptoms ranging from dementia to cognitive decline. Additionally, there are over 11 million people acting as unpaid caregivers for AD patients, with over half of them providing care to a relative or in-law. These caregivers have dedicated over 15.3 billion hours of unpaid care to date, reaching an estimated value of $256.7 billion.¹ And, these numbers do not include the critical role they play in AD Clinical Trials.

In order for an AD patient to participate in a clinical trial, they must join the trial with a study partner; these two-person teams are known as “dyads.” In each dyad, it is the responsibility of the study partner to ensure compliance and report on the patient’s status during the trial, as the patient’s condition may not allow for the reliable recording of study data.

The participation of a dedicated and engaged study partner is the key to a successful dyad and study. With AD clinical trials facing unique challenges to recruitment and retention, it is paramount that clinical trial stakeholders understand the characteristics of a viable study partner.