AAC Research & Clinical Trials Awareness 3

Question 1

Which phase of a clinical trial is the FIRST to test an experimental Alzheimer's drug in human beings?

Accepted Answer

Phase I

Answer

Phase I trials are the first in-human studies, focusing primarily on safety, tolerability, and dosing in a small group of participants.

Question 2

What does 'double-blind' mean in the context of an Alzheimer's clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

Neither the participants nor the researchers assessing outcomes know who received the treatment or placebo

Answer

In a double-blind trial, neither participants nor investigators know the treatment assignment, minimizing bias in assessment and reporting.

Question 3

The A4 Study (Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's) targets which population?

Accepted Answer

Cognitively normal older adults who show amyloid buildup on PET scans

Answer

The A4 Study enrolled cognitively normal older adults with elevated amyloid to test whether removing amyloid before symptoms appear prevents decline.

Question 4

What is the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in Alzheimer's research?

Accepted Answer

To review and approve research protocols to protect the rights and welfare of human participants

Answer

An IRB is an independent committee that evaluates the ethical and safety standards of research before and during a study.

Question 5

Genetic testing for the APOE ε4 allele is relevant in Alzheimer's research because it:

Accepted Answer

Is the strongest known genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's and affects trial eligibility and outcomes

Answer

The APOE ε4 allele is the major genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's and is often used to stratify participants in research studies.

(AAC) Alzheimer's Association Certification Practice Test