Steps in Research Participation
There are several steps on the journey to research participation. These include Pre-screening, Informed Consent, Additional Screening, Study Enrollment, and First Study Visit. Scroll down and click on each step below to learn what happens.
Prescreening
Prescreening is the first step in joining a research study. It is typically a quick conversation or survey that helps determine if a person might qualify to join a study. You may be asked questions about your age, health history, family history of Alzheimer’s disease, educational experiences, racial identity, ethnicity, or other things that will help you and the research team figure out if the study is right for you. If you do not qualify for a particular study, you may be asked to join a registry so you can be contacted if opportunities to join other studies arise. If you qualify for the study, you will continue on to the next step: Informed Consent.
Informed Consent
In the Informed Consent process, a member of the research team clearly explains everything you need to know about the study so you can decide if it’s right for you. It’s not just about signing a form — it’s about understanding what the study involves, what it hopes to achieve, and what will be expected of you as a participant. The potential risks and benefits will be discussed, and you will be advised that you may withdraw from the study at any time for any reason. Family members are welcome to join the discussion and ask questions, if you would like them to do so. If you decide to participate, you will have an opportunity to review and sign a consent form containing all the information that was shared with you during the discussion. You will receive a copy of the form to keep for your personal records.
Additional Screening
After consenting to join a research study, you may be asked to complete more in-depth, Additional Screening. This may include more detailed medical evaluations and memory tests to confirm eligibility and ensure safety before participating. If additional screening suggests the study is not right for you, you will have the opportunity to be considered for other studies that may be a better fit. If you are eligible to participate and choose to enroll in the study, the coordinator will schedule your first study visit.
Study Visit
Once you have provided informed consent and have successfully completed the screening process, you are ready for your first Study Visit! Your research coordinator will guide you and answer any new questions you may have. If you enroll in a study that involves multiple appointments or annual return visits, your study coordinator will work with you to make those arrangements, and will remind you when it is time to come back for your next visit.