Experts urge older adults to join clinical trials to close medical data gap

Older adults are frequently excluded from clinical trials, a gap that leaves many new medications untested in the population that uses them most. Gerontologist “Sam” Cradduck argues that this exclusion leaves older patients “walking blind” because drug metabolism changes with age. Without data from this demographic, medical professionals lack the information needed to ensure new therapies are safe for older bodies.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, challenges the common view of clinical trials as a final option. She notes that many individuals perceive these studies as a last resort when other treatments have failed. Rogers counters that participation offers early access to devices and therapies that may not reach the general public for years. She advises prospective participants to focus on the specific scientific question the study aims to answer rather than asking if the trial will personally help them.

Aging expert Amy O’Rourke points out that older adults are often labeled “evidence free” due to their low representation in research. She explains that participants must understand the possibility of receiving a placebo rather than the experimental drug. O’Rourke suggests entering a trial with the expectation of contributing to science rather than seeking guaranteed personal improvement. She has observed that many participants leave studies feeling hopeful and connected to their community.

Cradduck addresses the fear of being a “guinea pig” by noting that trials reach the final stage only after extensive testing. She reminds patients that adverse effects exist in all prescribed medications, not just experimental ones. She emphasizes that new medicines cannot be approved without clinical trials, making participation necessary for the development of future options. The National Institutes of Health maintains a list of trials and indicates which ones compensate participants.

Individuals can locate studies through ClinicalTrials.gov, their physicians, or academic centers. Rogers notes that many studies cover costs such as gas and some provide direct payment. Participants also gain access to specialists and close medical monitoring. O’Rourke highlights the support services available at trial sites, including social workers and support groups that connect patients with local resources. These services provide value beyond the medical treatment itself, particularly for older individuals.

The discussion on the Aging Untold program serves an educational purpose for a national audience. It clarifies the risks and rewards of joining a study. The experts stress that while the process involves uncertainty, the data collected helps protect future patients. The goal is to move away from viewing trials as a gamble and toward seeing them as a standard part of medical care for older adults.