Clinical Trials in Older Adults

The concept of clinical trials in older adults is a relatively new field of research that is now rapidly expanding; with a need that is unmet there are currently no reference books specifically on this subject. A key question being asked by physicians about the worlds ageing population is whether an increase in life expectancy will be accompanied by a postponement of functional limitations and disability. Older subjects traditionally have limited involvement in mainstream clinical trials, even though research shows that they are more at risk from the adverse side effects of drugs.

Older adults have typically been excluded from mainstream clinical trials that test new medications and interventions. It is therefore critical that researchers begin systematically studying the effects of new therapies in older patients as our population ages.

Clinical Trials in Older Adults is the first book to consider the methodological issues underlying the evaluation of new treatments in older people:

• Provides information on the methodology, monitoring and regulations for those planning to conduct clinical trials involving older adults
• Contains examples of ongoing and recently completed trials involving older adults
• Depicts how the issues regarding older adults in clinical trials could be properly addressed with the appropriate study design and conduct
• Identifies key issues in performing clinical trials in older patients with common geriatric conditions, i.e. Alzheimer's dementia, depression, low muscle mass, cancer

Physicians and researchers involved in clinical trials, regulators, members of ethical committees all need to have access to this key information.