Sportscaster Derrin Horton Joins the Effort to Support Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's in the Los Angeles Basin

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Brain Health Registry, in part with funding from Merck, is extending its outreach to Los Angeles in order to grow its database of potential Alzheimer's clinical trial candidates. L.A.'s leading sportscaster, Derrin Horton, appears in a public service announcement designed to encourage those aged 50+ to join the online registry. Researchers are seeking a larger pool of potential participants from Southern California, including those in under-represented minority groups, with the goal of helping to accelerate the evaluation of investigational treatments for Alzheimer's disease. The Los Angeles area has six sites that are actively enrolling participants for the Amyloid Production and Effects on Cognition Study (APECS).  This study, sponsored by Merck, is evaluating the effects an investigational oral medication and its effects on the progression of early stage Alzheimer's disease.

"I'm pleased to help increase participation in Alzheimer's clinical trials any way I can. This devastating disease touches the lives of so many in the Los Angeles area - patients, caregivers and families. I'm hoping that by getting the word out about clinical trials, we can speed development of potential treatments for Alzheimer's," stated Derrick Horton.

Local Support – Why LA?

According to a report from the Alzheimer's Association, in 2015 there were 177,000 people aged 55+ living with Alzheimer's in Los Angeles County, and is projected to increase. Los Angeles is a key research center for brain health and Alzheimer's. There are 6 sites currently enrolling in the APECS study throughout Los Angeles County.

Join the Cause

Those who wish to join the research efforts in the fight against Alzheimer's disease can register free at www.la.brainhealthregistry.org.

How Registering with Brain Health Registry Can Help to Support Research

The clinical trial process is a necessary step to researching and developing potential new treatments for Alzheimer's and any other disease. A critical part of the drug discovery process is recruiting volunteers for clinical trials. This process can sometimes take years. With more than 45,000 volunteers enrolled nationwide, the purpose of the Brain Health Registry is to build a large pool of volunteers who complete questionnaires and take cognitive tests online. Data collected from these volunteers helps scientists track brain function over time, thus enabling them to identify potential candidates for specific clinical trials and research studies.

About Merck

For 125 years, Merck has been a global health care leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Megan Wilkinson
[email protected]
(267) 305-6463

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161018/430129LOGO

SOURCE Merck