Accel Research Sites

In 2023, an estimated 6.7 million Americans ages 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. That number is only growing. For each of those people, receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis means facing a dire reality: There is no cure.

Existing treatments can potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and ease symptoms, but a variety of barriers can prevent patients from accessing them. Of course, all those involved with the disease also hope for continued breakthroughs in terms of treatment and prevention.

This is where clinical trials come in. Often, clinical trials are the only path many patients have. They’re also a conduit for accessing the most cutting-edge available treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease.

This is one of the areas Accel Research Sites takes pride in serving as a leader in the industry. We have completed several different trials related to Alzheimer’s disease and continue to do so. Recently, in fact, Accel Research Sites was named a top enroller for a unique research study known as the HOPE Study, which investigates the effectiveness of a wearable device to slow the progression of cognitive decline in people living with Alzheimer’s using sensory stimulation.

The HOPE study is evaluating a device that incorporates eyewear and headphones that may help people who are in the early or moderate stages of the disease. In September 2023, Cognito Therapeutics celebrated the enrollment of the study’s 100th participant.

The nationwide study seeks participants who are between the ages of 50 and 90, have experienced memory loss and have a friend or family member who can participate as a study partner at home for up to one hour each day.

“The success of this study represents a significant step forward in our research efforts related to Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Marshall Nash, principal investigator of the study in Decatur, Georgia. “For people who have received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and have hesitations about taking new medications or undergoing medical procedures, this study offers a less risky opportunity to get involved.”

The investigational device, developed by Cognito Therapeutics, is called Gamma Sensory Stimulation System. It evokes EEG-confirmed brain gamma oscillations through non-invasive light and sound stimulation. The study evaluates how effective the treatment is at reducing cognitive and functional decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Study volunteers wear the device, which looks like a combination of headphones and wraparound sunglasses, at home for an hour a day for up to 12 months.

Along with Accel Research Sites, several other clinical research centers throughout the U.S. are participating in the study in partnership with the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation® (GAP) and its network of research sites (GAP-Net).

“People living with memory loss have an opportunity to be part of a new kind of clinical research study that has the potential to revolutionize treatment of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Nash. “As this area of study continues to grow, there’s great potential to change the future of healthcare.”