Participate in Research
Be a part of creating new knowledge and improving care
The Bruyère Research Institute conducts life changing research connected with Bruyère's clinical priorities that directly impacts and improves people’s health and care. We are transforming care each day thanks to the many people who choose to be a part of research.
You can be a part of life changing research too!
Over the years, thousands of people in the Bruyère community have participated in research studies conducted by the Research Institute. Being a part of research might mean participating in interviews or focus groups, testing new drugs or technologies, or simply staying connected with us through your or your loved one’s care journey.
Your contribution to research is building better health care practices and treatment for all Canadians.
Open call to join our registry (including healthy older adults):
Anyone interested in being a part of research can contact the Clinical Trials Research Unit (CTRU) to join the Recruitment Registry. Many studies need to look at both people who are healthy and who are living with cognitive impairment.
Our registry helps to match potential participants with ongoing and upcoming studies being run at Bruyère.
How do I join?
Contact the CTRU and ask to be added to the Recruitment Registry. A member of our team will ask you a few questions to help determine which studies you may be eligible for. This information is kept in a secure file at Bruyère and can only be accessed by authorized CTRU staff to connect studies with prospective participants.
When a study becomes available that fits your responses, our recruitment team will reach out to see if you would like to participate. Whether you would like to participate in a study or not is up to you, and we only ever contact you for studies that match your profile!
Think this could be your contribution to research? Contact us:
Clinical Trials Research Unit
613-562-6328
ctu@bruyere.org
Studies currently recruiting:
The Role of Our Gut Bacteria in Alzheimer’s Disease (Microbiome II)
Study Title:
The Role of Our Gut Bacteria in Alzheimer’s Disease
Study Description:There are over 1000 types of bacteria that live in our gut and help us to process foods and help in nutrient and vitamin uptake. Recently, it was discovered that there are disturbances in the gut bacteria of people who have Alzheimer’s disease. Laboratory tests can determine the number and type of gut bacteria from a stool sample.
This information will help to compare the gut bacteria in people living with memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease to those who do not have memory problems. This research may help develop therapies to improve unhealthy gut bacteria which may be able to improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and/or slow its progression.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Individuals age 50+ who:
- Are not experiencing any memory problems; OR
- Have Alzheimer’s disease
- Are prepared to provide 2 stool samples, 3-6 months apart, and fill out questionnaires
Recruitment Close Date:
July 2024
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Andrew Frank
Contact:
Clinical Trials Research Unit: 613-562-6328 or
ctu@bruyere.org
REB#:
M16-19-039. This study has been approved by the Bruyère Research Ethics Board.
Precision Microbiome Nutrition to Improve Brain Health (Microbiome III)
Study Title:
Precision Microbiome Nutrition to Improve Brain Health
Study Description:
There are over 1000 types of bacteria that live in our gut and help us to process foods and help in nutrient and vitamin uptake. Recently, it was discovered that there are disturbances in the gut bacteria of people who have Alzheimer’s disease and that the gut and brain communicate. We propose that the gut-brain communication can be altered by changes in the gut bacteria in those living with Alzheimer’s disease.
The study purpose is to assess whether nutritional intervention with personalized, preselected prebiotics can affect cognitive function in those with Alzheimer’s disease. The participants will be asked to take the prebiotic for 3 months, participate in cognitive testing and questionnaires and provide two stool samples. This study is placebo-controlled.
Eligibility Criteria:- Aged 60 years or older
- Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Has someone who can be their study partner
- This list is not exhaustive. Please contact the Clinical Trials Research Unit to find out more.
Recruitment Close Date: December 31, 2023
Principal Investigator:Dr. Andrew Frank
Contact:Clinical Trials Research Unit: 613-562-6328 or
ctu@bruyere.orgREB#:M16-22-017. This study has been reviewed and approved by the Bruyère Research Ethics Board.
Do you have questions or concerns?
Participation in research is voluntary, and the Bruyère Research Institute works to ensure all participants who choose to be a part of research feel safe, comfortable, and fully informed during the process.
The Bruyère Research Institute is committed to ensuring that participation in research is appropriately monitored. Visit our Bruyère Research Ethics Board webpage to learn more about how we ensure studies are ethical and safe.
Learn more about the research happening at Bruyère through our News and Stories.