Participating in a Clinical Trial
It was a day last fall when he was in the pharmacy picking up a prescription for his diabetes. Brent Naylor, 44, saw an advertisement about a memory study that needed diabetics to participate.
"I was just more curious about the study and what they'd find out about me. That's primarily what drove me to the study,'' he says. "Curiosity.''
During his day in the study, Naylor was given lists of words and then asked questions that tested his memory of them. He underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test. And they took his blood.
As it turns out, the blood draw might wind up saving him in long-term medical costs and perhaps even his life.
The blood work, he says, showed that "I had a precursor to possible kidney disease. It's in the very early stages.'' In short, a protein from Naylor's blood is seeping into his kidneys and can cause damage over a long period of time.
"It's something that can be corrected and reversed,'' Naylor says. "I thought it was wonderful that they found out through the tests. If I can get another 40 years out of this body, I'll be happy.''
Naylor, who lives in Advance with his wife and 4-year-old daughter, says he soon expects to learn what he needs to do to address his protein situation. Although that was an unexpected find as a result of his participation in the DHS Mind study, Naylor says he's a strong proponent of clinical studies.
"I would encourage people to do them. What they can gain out of it and what science can gain out of it to help other people is well worth the time,'' Naylor says. "You never know, but what you participate in might be the key that opens up the door to something. To me that's just all about humanity and caring for your fellow man. Don't hesitate. Participate.''