Info sessions focus on neurology clinical trialsDate: 4/1/2016 SPRINGFIELD – Did you know that national clinical trials of treatments for mild to moderate memory loss – and often for other neurological conditions such as migraine headaches and Multiple Sclerosis – are conducted right here in the greater Springfield area?
If you don’t you’re not alone. According to Beth-Ann Caron-Latsko, BS, a psychometric rater at Springfield Neurology Research, many potential patients in the Pioneer Valley are unaware that these types of clinical trials are available right in their own backyard.
“We realized people have been driving to Boston and Yale [for clinical trials] because they did not realize we are here,” Caron-Latsko said. “We’ve been here for about 10 years.”
To raise awareness, Caron-Lastko said Springfield Neurology Research recently embarked on a program to help educate the public about the clinical trials taking place at their facility.
The first of these upcoming events will be an April 6 meet and greet with members of the staff at the Holyoke Senior Center, 291 Pine St., from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is open to the public and no reservations are required.
“We are doing community outreach to senior centers and hospitals, doctors, assisted living facilities and independent living facilities,” she said, adding that the group will provide a presentation to “Basically anybody that has an interest.”
Founded under the direction of Dr. Michael L. Rossen MD, Phd, Springfield Neurology Research is located in the office suites of Springfield Neurology Associates at 300 Carew St. According to Rossen, the research conducted at the facility is part of international investigations vested in helping to find promising therapies for neurologically based diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, for which there are currently few or no effective treatments.
Caron-Lastko stressed clinical trial patient interviews and treatment takes place in a comfortable room that looks more like a den or a library than a laboratory.
“It’s not like the old idea of research with lots of vials and Bunsen burners and everyone in lab coats,” she added.
According to Kate Troast, one of the clinical trial coordinators at Springfield Neurology Research, there are currently more than 10 clinical trials open to potential patients being conducted at the facility. Most clinical trials are looking for patients between 55 and 85 years of age as participants. The facility offers multiple ongoing clinical trials throughout the year.
“We are looking to enroll approximately 10 patients for each trial,” said Kristin Coulter, a certified clinical research at Springfield Neurology Research.
To help potential patients and their caregivers learn more about the clinical trial process and those investigations currently looking for participants, Springfield Neurology Research maintains a website with detailed information about the current and upcoming clinical trials at www.springfieldneurotrials.com. Individuals interested in info for themselves can call 781-5045 and ask for Beth-Ann.
Upcoming information sessions
As part of their ongoing outreach, Springfield Neurological Research invites caregivers and potential trial participants to attend one of the following upcoming information sessions:
• April 13 at 4:30 p.m. at The Arbors Assisted Living Facility, 929 Memorial Drive, Chicopee. Reservations required. Call 593-0088.
• May 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Arbors Assisted Living Facility, 40 Court St., Westifield. Reservations required, call 562-0001.
• May 23 at 1 p.m. at the Amherst Senior Center, 70 Boltwood Walk (inside Bangs Community Center), Amherst. Reservations required, call 259-3060.
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