Dr. Rhea Rogers: Older Adults Are Missing From Clinical Trial Data

Studies indicate that older adults are frequently excluded from clinical trials, a gap in data that affects the safety and efficacy of medications for that demographic. This exclusion occurs even though many medical conditions impact older populations at higher rates than younger groups.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, advises potential participants to focus on the scientific objective of a study rather than their own medical needs. Rogers said the initial question should be, "What is this clinical trial trying to answer?" She noted that this approach clarifies the purpose of the research.

Rogers challenged the common perception that trials are a final option for patients. She stated that participation provides early access to treatments, devices, and therapies that may not be available to the general public for years. "You get great access to tomorrow's medicines today," Rogers said.

Prospective participants can locate studies through ClinicalTrials.gov, by consulting their physicians, or by contacting academic centers and disease-specific organizations. Rogers noted that some trials cover expenses such as gas, and certain studies provide financial compensation. Amy O'Rourke, an aging expert, pointed to the National Institutes of Health as a resource for identifying which trials offer payment.

O'Rourke warned that participants must understand they may receive a placebo. "You might be the one getting the placebo, you might get the drug itself," she said. She advised that expectations should not center on receiving the active medication or immediate improvement. O'Rourke observed that clients often reported finding value in the social support groups and community resources accessed through trial participation.

Gerontologist "Sam" Cradduck emphasized the physiological need for older participants. She explained that medication metabolizes differently in older adults compared to younger groups. "Without having them as participants, they're often walking blind," Cradduck said. She added that new medicines cannot be approved for the market without undergoing clinical trials.

Cradduck addressed the concern that participants serve as guinea pigs. "You're not a guinea pig," she said. She noted that by the time a treatment reaches a clinical trial phase, it has been tested repeatedly. Cradduck also reminded listeners that adverse effects are a possibility with any prescribed medication.