Tactics for Successful Patient Recruitment in Alzheimer’s Clinical Studies

Some upcoming treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease, particularly those of a preventative nature, rely upon participation in clinical research from individuals diagnosed with either Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease (pAD) or Minimal Cognitive Impairment (MCI) at risk of developing AD. Identifying these individuals paves the way for early intervention with the goal of completely slowing or halting the onset of Alzheimer’s. Whilst this patient population remains functionally independent, without the challenges of recruiting those with severe memory impairment, these clinical trials can be difficult to recruit in part, due to biomarker eligibility requirements which may include PET imaging and/or cerebrospinal fluid assessments. Screening of subjects is therefore costly and time-consuming, with a significant screen fail rate.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, at least 50,000 volunteers will be needed across 500 studies that are either recruiting or preparing to recruit for clinical trials.  In this webinar, the future speaker will consider strategies for timely patient recruitment and retention for Alzheimer’s clinical trials. In addition, the speaker will discuss guidelines for, and technologies to support patient recruitment. Examples of these methods include social listening to ensure clinical research messaging is resonating with target groups, embracing their needs and concerns, or using big data to facilitate site selection.

The speaker will discuss guidelines for and technologies to support patient recruitment:

• Understand current Alzheimer’s disease targets for next generation therapies
• Learn how use of technologies can spur interest within patient communities
• Explore possibilities surrounding digital screening and virtual reporting tools
• Ensure your subjects concerns are fully embraced through social listening
• Make informed decisions on site selection via data intelligence

Speaker

William A Holt, DO, Executive Director, Scientific Affairs, Neurosciences, PRA Health Sciences

William A Holt, DO, is a neurologist, board certified in psychiatry and neurology with sub-specialty certification in both vascular neurology and neurorehabilitation. He holds an active Florida license. He joined PRA Health Sciences after a 7-year stint in a global CRO with increasing responsibilities in Global Product Development. Prior to joining the industry, he spent 17 years in clinical practice in Port Charlotte, Florida where he founded Neurostudies, Inc, an active Phase 1-3 research center where he participated in over 20 clinical trials as Principal Investigator. Dr Holt has been recognized by the Governor of the state of Florida for his participation in the “Volunteer Health Care Provider Program” in providing free medical care to those in need. In addition, Dr Holt has held the office of President of the Charlotte County Medical Society and Chief of Medicine at Charlotte Regional Medical Center and Fawcett Memorial Hospital. He is the founding Medical Director of Fawcett’s Stroke Center of Excellence, and has been the past President and Chief Executive Officer of a large, multi-medical group consisting of 57 physicians. Dr Holt graduated from the Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine in North Miami Beach, Florida, and completed his neurology residency at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.​

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