We are currently evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a new investigational medication that may help slow the progression of early memory loss.

There are criteria for this clinical research study.
To be considered, you must:
• Be 50 - 85 years old
• Have had signs of worsening memory over the past year
• Have a partner or friend who is willing to come with you to   appointments
• Answer questions about your daily life

This trial is likely to involve a series of tests, interviews and approximately 12 visits over a two year period. You will be asked to be available for about 8 telephone calls in addition to this and required to adhere to the regime of investigational medication you have agreed with the doctor.

For more information, email us at enquiries@gm-research.org.nz so we can tell you more.

WHAT IS A CLINICAL TRIAL?

A clinical trial is essentially a scientific study involving people.
All study-related costs, including travel, are reimbursed.

Often these are done by a pharmaceutical company in collaboration with independent investigators to help establish whether an investigational medicine is reliable, safe and effective for a particular disease or condition.

These clinical trials are used by authorities such as the Ministry of Health in New Zealand, or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States of America.

These trials are carefully designed and monitored. Sometimes they may continue so they can help define in more detail who else might benefit from the medicine, and whether this medicine has any other applications.

Clinical trials also allow doctors to measure the extent of the investigational medicine's effect, so they can predict with some confidence how much benefit other patients with the same condition will get and whether there are any potential side effects that doctors need to be aware of.

There are strict laws governing the conduct of clinical research studies to protect you and your rights.

Here are comments from some of the participants who have taken part in our previous trials...

"Participation in this study has been an extremely positive experience for me."

"I found the staff at Canterbury Geriatric Medical Research Trust who administer the study to be friendly, efficient and empathetic to any questions or concerns I may have had."

"During my frequent visits to CGM the staff have always treated me with courtesy and respect. They are mindful of the fact that I have limited time due to my employment and make every effort to expedite my visits."

THERE IS MORE INFORMATION THAT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU IF YOU WISH TO CONSIDER TAKING PART AND MEET THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA. THIS INFORMATION WILL EXPLAIN IN DETAIL WHAT THE PROCESS AND EXPECTATIONS ARE. IT SETS OUT WHY WE ARE DOING THE STUDY, WHAT YOUR PARTICIPATION WOULD INVOLVE, THE LIKELY BENEFITS AND ANY POTENTIAL RISKS, AND WHAT WOULD HAPPEN AFTER THE STUDY ENDS.

THERE IS NO COST TO YOU IN TAKING PART.

Some people take part in these trials because they want to help doctors to find solutions that can help themselves and others. Others might be finding their condition is not responding to current treatments and are looking for something new to try. 

Whatever the reason, all participants are very carefully monitored and have thorough medical testing carried out at all crucial stages.