How You Can Help Find A Cure

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Did you know that a full 85% of clinical trials for chronic diseases get delayed because researchers can’t find enough volunteers to take part? This is especially true during the pandemic. We focus so much on COVID-19, and then other medical conditions get lost in the shuffle. That’s why I feel it’s important to revisit a topic I shared in 2019.

People might hesitate to volunteer for medical research for a variety of reasons:

• You’re in good health, so you don’t think you qualify for a study on a chronic disease.
• There’s no major medical center near you. This must mean traveling long distances to take part.
• You live a hectic life. A research study will demand too much of your time.
• You’re squeamish about all the tests and exams involved in a study.
• You worry that the research might not be safe.

Fortunately, you can put all of those concerns out of your mind. Here’s why:

• You don’t necessarily need to have a disease to take part in a study. Research studies also need healthy people to use as a comparison group.

• Research studies take many forms. Some can be done online; others involve going to a medical facility. Some require exams; for others, you only need to answer questions. Some mean a one-time commitment; others last for months or even years. You can choose a study that best fits your lifestyle.

• Even if you qualify for a study, you always have the right to choose not to take part. The law requires researchers to inform participants of the requirements and the risks before they give consent.

Here’s the most critical part. By taking part in research studies, you have the privilege of making a positive difference in the lives of other people. You might even help find a cure for a disease that strikes you or a loved one in the future.

Interested? For more information about organizations that sponsor research on major chronic diseases, check the links below:

Cancer

Over the years, I’ve taken part in two research studies related to cancer. One looked at risk factors, and all I had to do was answer questions about my health habits. I could complete the survey on my personal computer in the comfort of my home. For the second study, I simply had to go to a local hospital where a nurse drew a vial of my blood.

Current statistics show that about 1 out of every three people in the United States will develop some type of cancer during their lifetime. The National Cancer Institute website outlines an extensive list of research opportunities to help put a stop to this trend. Their database includes studies in both the United States and Canada.

Parkinson’s Disease

Michael J. Fox is genuinely an example of a person turning something terrible into something good. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 29, he formed the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000.

This organization continues to make significant strides in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. At the same time, they help people learn how to manage and live effectively with their symptoms. I hope you’ll take just 5 minutes to watch this encouraging video from the foundation.

Arthritis

Did you know that there are over 100 different types of arthritis? And did you also know that around 54 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with some form of the disease?

This means there’s an enormous need for research volunteers who can help find a way to prevent and treat these many conditions. Check out the Arthritis Foundation to learn more about the disease as well as current research studies.

Lung Disease

Over the years, the American Lung Association has made enormous progress in helping people who live with chronic airway disease. Their primary focuses are asthma and COPD.

Please take a few moments to check out their website. Not only will you find access to current research projects but also a summary of some of their most significant findings.

Heart Disease

Today I chose to highlight an organization that focuses on heart disease among women. Until recent years, cardiac research almost exclusively involved men. An organization called Heart Sisters aims to change this approach.

Women need to be involved in cardiac research. That’s because the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options can be very different in women as compared with men.

Diabetes

We have made enormous strides in our understanding of diabetes over the past few decades. But the scary part is that the incidence of type 2 diabetes is skyrocketing.

The American Diabetes Association partners with other organizations to conduct research on prevention and treatment. This includes both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Dementia

The National Institute on Aging helps people find studies and clinical trials related to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This topic is of special interest to me because my dad lived with dementia for several years.

About a year ago, I signed up on a research volunteer roster and submitted a mouth swab DNA sample. While they have not yet chosen me to take part in a study, I hope that someday I will be a part of finding a cure.

(Here’s another way you can help with dementia research: Donate your brain when you no longer need it!)

Other Diseases

I chose this list of chronic diseases based on the most common diagnoses among the residents of the nursing home where I volunteer. However, perhaps you’re passionate about finding a cure for a disease that I didn’t include.

Then you’ll want to check out the National Institutes of Health. There you’ll find an extensive list of registries for both common and rare diseases. This allows you to sign up for a notification when a research study becomes available that matches your interests.

Do you know someone else who might be interested in a medical research study? Please share!