Raising awareness for volunteers to participate in Alzheimer's research

Findings from the largest global survey to date investigating perceptions of Alzheimer's disease show that most adults (62%) are worried that they may develop Alzheimer's, while nearly the same proportion believe it is likely a cure will be developed in their lifetime (60%).

This World Alzheimer's Month, Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NOVN: VX, US biotech Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN), Banner Alzheimer's Institute (BAI), and Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), are aiming to raise awareness about how volunteers can take part in clinical studies to benefit Alzheimer's research, potentially themselves and future generations.

Alzheimer's is the leading cause of dementia, a disease affecting 50 million people worldwide and this number is expected to triple by 2050. The survey of more than 10,000 people across 10 countries revealed that 91% believe the solution to tackling diseases lies in medical research and 79% are willing to participate. However, three-quarters (75%) have no idea how to get involved in medical research. In addition, 78% of adults are willing to get genetically tested to identify their potential risk of developing Alzheimer's.