What to look for in a clinical trial and why older adults should be included
Marcus manages the day-to-day editorial workflow across all brands, coordinating coverage assignments and ensuring editorial standards are met. He previously served as city editor at the Pioneer Press and holds a degree in Political Science from Carleton College.
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(Aging Untold) — Clinical trials can be a proactive way to explore new treatments, but studies show older adults are often left out of them, even though many conditions affect older adults more often. The Aging Untold experts hosts are discussing what to look for when choosing a study and how to decide whether to take part. Start with the question the trial is trying to answer Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, said the first step is to change the question you ask. “I think the first thing we have to do is not think about, ‘Can this clinical trial help me?’ but ‘What is this clinical trial trying to answer?’” Rogers said. “That’s what most of these trials are about.” A trial is not a last resort Rogers said many people see clinical trials as a last resort. “I think a lot of people think that it’s a last resort option, that you don’t have anything else, when in fact one of the biggest benefits is it gives you access,” Rogers said. “You get great access to tomorrow’s medicines