DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMATOLOGY PREDICTS WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE IN CLINICAL TRIALS

Abstract

Despite the recent advances in scientific methodologies, technologies, and knowledge about the neurodegenerative disease process, there haven't been any new treatments approved for AD since 2004. One significant limitation is the lack of available research participants who are willing to participate in clinical trials. Several factors have been cited, such as diagnosis, emotional factors, and lack of knowledge about research. The goal of this study was to assess the willingness of patients to participate in clinical research after a multidisciplinary team evaluation and education about clinical trials. The memory clinic located at PAREXEL Los Angeles Early Phase Clinical Unit is a community-based center that has evaluated approximately 240 patients since its inception in 2016. Patients are referred from a variety of sources to evaluate memory and cognitive function. We offer comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations in multiple languages, using a flexible battery approach depending on the nature of the referral question. For this analysis, we used the Repeatable Battery for Neuropsychological Status Total Scale Score as a measure of global cognitive abilities and the Geriatric Depression Scale as a proxy for mood. At the completion of the evaluation, 126 patients evaluated through the memory clinic were willing to hear about opportunities for research participation versus 19 patients who declined. We found that those who scored higher on the GDS (p<.01) were less willing to learn about opportunities for research participation. Cognitive performance only accounted for 2% of the variance a logistic regression and was not a significant predictor of willingness to participate in research. The results highlight that willingness to participate in research maybe largely mediated by mood factors more so than degree of cognitive impairment. Depressive symptoms in older adults maybe a target of intervention when discussing opportunities about clinical trials in AD.