Issue link: https://tmcpulse.uberflip.com/i/1152989
t m c » p u l s e | a u g u s t 2 0 1 9 27 drugs, Kenny's participation—along with that of other affected patients— was essential. "We want to help, but we need their help, as well," Masliah said. "The progress is not only thanks to what people are doing in their labs, but really it's thanks to them. To test these drugs, [patients] need to participate in clini- cal trials." The NIA is currently ramping up efforts to recruit more patients for various Alzheimer's studies, including two types of prevention trials: one in which the disease pathology is already present but patients show no clinical symptoms, and another in which indi- viduals show no pathology and no clinical symptoms. Studying both affected and healthy individuals is critical to Alzheimer's research, but it's a tough sell. "It's the same thing with many other diseases: people get into a clinical trial when they have a very advanced disease and The Tidwells share a light moment at home. they are motivated," Masliah said. "When you ask peo- ple to participate in a clinical study … when they are clinically healthy, it's harder." While reports of failed studies may be disheartening, experts urge people not to lose hope in clinical trials. "If you want to be part of a solution," McDonald said, "this is something someone can do right now." 'Right now' is where Judie tries to keep her heart and her head. For the moment, she is Kenny's memory, his link with a rich and happy past. She is there to answer his same questions, over and over again. "He just wants to know when he's going to get better," Judie said. "I say, 'Kenny, you're not going to be better. The goal is to keep it moving slowly like it is right now.' Then he forgets he asked."