Alzheimer's Research Campaign Launched

Alzheimer's researchers are turning to Tulsa for help. The News On 6â€™s Chris Wright reports the Alzheimer's Association is launching a new campaign in five cities, including Tulsa, to recruit

Wednesday, July 18th 2007, 8:45 pm

By: News On 6

Alzheimer's researchers are turning to Tulsa for help. The News On 6â€™s Chris Wright reports the Alzheimer's Association is launching a new campaign in five cities, including Tulsa, to recruit volunteers for new research studies. Just as they do every afternoon, Saint Simeon residents in Tulsa are taking part in memory exercises. All 54 people who live here have Alzheimers, and the home is receiving more applications every day.

"I can't imagine what the results will be if we don't do something to head it off now. The numbers are going to be just astronomical," said Saint Simeon Director of Nursing Sue Flama.

With an aging baby boomer population, the Alzheimer's Association says clinical studies for new experimental treatments are crucial. Unfortunately, there's a shortage of volunteers for these studies. In an attempt to remedy that the Association is launching a recruiting program in five cities, Atlanta, San Francisco, Providence, Indianapolis, and Tulsa. Saint Simeon administrators are thrilled to have made the list.

"To have Tulsa be part of that research with those other cities that's a bonus for Tulsa, and a sign that this is an area where research can be done," Saint Simeon CEO Lindsay Rick said.

Research that could potentially prevent the onset of Alzheimers, and save families from having to deal with the disease.

"The families to think of some hope that their loved ones could get better, or the disease stabilized, I think would be such a wonderful thing," said Rick.

The Alzheimer's Association says its recruitment campaign will include brochures, ads and public service announcements. Anyone interested in participating can visit the associationâ€™s website, www.alz.org or call their hotline at 1-800-272-3900.

Watch the video: Oklahoma Chosen For Alzheimers Research