Doctors say older adults are missing from medical trials despite health risks

Medical experts on the broadcast program Aging Untold stated on Thursday that older adults are frequently excluded from clinical trials, even though many diseases affect this demographic at higher rates. The discussion focused on how patients can identify suitable studies and what to expect before enrolling.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board certified physician, told the audience to shift their focus from personal cure to scientific inquiry. "I think the first thing we have to do is not think about, 'Can this clinical trial help me?' but 'What is this clinical trial trying to answer?'" Rogers said. She emphasized that most studies aim to answer specific questions rather than serve as a final medical option.

Rogers argued against the common perception that trials are only for patients who have exhausted other treatments. She noted that participation provides immediate access to future medicines, devices, and therapies that might not reach the general public for years. "You get great access to tomorrow's medicines today," she said.

For those seeking studies, Rogers recommended searching ClinicalTrials.gov, consulting with personal physicians, or contacting academic centers and disease specific organizations. Participants may receive close medical monitoring and access to specialists. Rogers noted that some studies pay for travel expenses like gas, while others compensate participants directly.

Amy O'Rourke, an aging expert, pointed out that the National Institutes of Health maintains a list of trials and specifies which ones offer compensation. She warned participants to understand that they might receive a placebo rather than the active drug. "You might be the one getting the placebo, you might get the drug itself," O'Rourke said. She advised that expectations should not be based on the assumption of receiving the new treatment.

O'Rourke added that many clients found value in the social support provided by trial groups. Social workers organized support groups and connected participants with community resources they previously did not know about. This non medical support was described as a major benefit, particularly for older individuals.

Gerontologist Sam Cradduck explained that excluding older adults from research leaves them medically vulnerable. Medication metabolizes differently in older bodies compared to younger ones. "Without having them as participants, they're often walking blind," Cradduck said. She also addressed the fear of being a test subject, noting that by the time a study reaches humans, the treatment has been thoroughly tested repeatedly. Cradduck confirmed that no new medicine can be approved without clinical trials.

The experts concluded that including older adults is necessary to build safer treatments for the future. The program noted that the information is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed physician.