If you’ve recently received a new diagnosis or watched a loved one battle a condition, you’ve probably considered whether a better treatment option is available. You may have heard about clinical trials — research studies that test new treatments and therapies — but you might not be sure what they involve or whether participating is right for you.

Whether you’re searching for hope, new options, or a way to give back, clinical trial participation is a path many people consider at some point in their lives. However, at first glance, it can seem confusing or even intimidating. This clinical trial guide will demystify the process, from understanding the science to knowing your rights, so you can make an informed decision.

In This Article

• What Are Clinical Trials and Why Are They Important?
• Clinical Trial Information: The 4 Phases Explained
• Top Reasons to Consider Participating in Clinical Trials
• A Balanced View: The Risks and Benefits of Joining a Clinical Trial
• Are You Eligible? Clinical Trial Eligibility Criteria Explained
• More About the Informed Consent Process in Clinical Research
• The Role of Placebos in Clinical Research
• How Much Do You Get Paid for Clinical Trials?
• How to Find Paid Clinical Trials Near You
• Questions to Ask Your Doctor and Research Team Before Enrolling

What Are Clinical Trials and Why Are They Important?

Clinical trials are research trials involving people that help find new or better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat disease. This research allows doctors and researchers to learn more about a disease to improve care for future patients. Clinical trials are a specific type of clinical research that evaluates the effects of an intervention on health outcomes.

The core purpose of a clinical trial is to determine whether a new drug, device, or treatment is safe and effective for humans. Clinical trials may study a new drug or combination of drugs, new medical devices, new surgery methods, or new ways to use existing treatments.

Clinical trials are essential for advancing medicine and providing future generations with better healthcare options. They are the foundation of evidence-based medicine and allow providers to ensure new treatment options are effective and do not cause harm. Clinical trials can help identify potential risks or side effects and shape clinical guidelines and standards of care.

Clinical Trial Information: The 4 Phases Explained

Clinical trials use a phased approach. This structured, safety-focused process consists of four phases, each with a different purpose to answer various research questions.

Phase 1 trials involve administering a drug or device to a small group to test its safety. In the second phase, researchers gauge whether the treatment is effective. Phase 3 compares the new treatment to current care standards. The final phase consists of surveillance after the product is available on the market to determine long-term risks and benefits.

Phase 1: Is It Safe to Participate in a Clinical Trial?

In a Phase 1 clinical trial, researchers administer a new drug or device to a small group of people, generally between 20 and 80 healthy volunteers. In some cases, the study might include current patients with the targeted disease, such as cancer.

This phase focuses on treatment safety, dosage range, and possible side effects. Researchers closely monitor participants for adverse reactions and analyze how the body processes the drug. Patients often undergo dose escalation to inform researchers of the maximum tolerated dose without serious side effects.

This phase is not focused on effectiveness. Instead, Phase 1 offers early insights into how a treatment option may work. The data from this phase is crucial for designing the following phases because it allows researchers to identify any immediate risks and establishes a foundation for safe dosage.

Phase 2: How Do Clinical Trials Work for Patients?

Phase 2 focuses on further safety and effectiveness evaluations and helps determine whether a treatment is promising enough to warrant more definitive studies. In this phase, 100 to 300 volunteers or patients will receive the new treatment. The main objective is to assess short-term risks and effects and determine whether the treatment has the intended effect.

At this point, researchers aim to refine dosing regimens based on Phase 1 results. If the new treatment shows significant benefits and manageable risks, it will move to the next phase. Treatments with severe side effects or insufficient efficacy do not move on.

Phase 3: Is It Better Than Standard Treatments or Placebos?

Phase 3 trials are larger-scale studies that monitor side effects, confirm effectiveness, and compare the new treatment to existing care options. These trials typically involve between 1,000 and 3,000 people across multiple sites and ensure diverse population representation. 

Generally, these trials are randomized and controlled to provide the highest level of evidence. A trial may consist of standard care, placebo treatment, and new treatment groups. In double-blind trials, neither the researchers nor the participants know who receives which treatment. This method removes bias in reporting and assessing outcomes. 

The results from Phase 3 are critical for regulatory approval. Agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) require robust evidence from trials before allowing a new drug or device on the market. These trials are often time-consuming but are essential for ensuring safe and widespread treatment use. 

Phase 4: What Else Do We Need to Know?

The final phase occurs after a drug or treatment receives approval from agencies like the FDA and is available to the general public. This stage aims to monitor long-term risks and benefits and determine optimal treatment use. 

Phase 4 trials involve thousands of patients across diverse populations. This phase can help researchers identify rare or long-term side effects that may not have appeared in earlier phases due to shorter follow-up periods or smaller sample sizes. This phase also allows researchers to gain valuable information about how the treatment performs in different patient groups and alongside other medications. 

Findings in Phase 4 can lead to changes regarding treatment usage, warnings, or market availability. Overall, this final stage ensures ongoing patient safety and promotes optimal use of new therapies.

Top Reasons to Consider Participating in Clinical Trials

Participating in a clinical trial can be a significant decision. Trial participation can potentially deliver personal and societal benefits, allowing you to find possibly improved treatments for yourself or contribute to medical advancements. 

Clinical trials allow you to:

• Potentially Gain access to innovative new treatments before they are widely available: Unfortunately, many conditions leverage ineffective standard therapies. For example, various types of cancer, HIV and AIDS, and some neurological diseases lack effective and consistent treatment options. If you have one of these conditions or have faced ineffective treatment for another condition, a clinical trial could be a promising avenue. These trials allow you to access cutting-edge options otherwise unavailable to the public. 
• Receive expert medical care and regular health monitoring at a leading research facility: Clinical trials require close monitoring and care from specialists and experts at leading healthcare and research facilities. The additional oversight from a research team can be immensely beneficial, providing a comprehensive evaluation and management of your health. 
• Help others and contribute to medical advancements: You can play a direct role in the development of new treatments by participating in a clinical trial. This benefit is a strong motivator for those who wish to contribute to the greater good and improve healthcare for future generations. 
• Play a more active role in your own healthcare: Trial participation transforms your role from passive patient into active partner. You may learn more about your condition, make informed choices regarding treatment, and remain up to date on your progress. Trial participants work closely with care and research teams, allowing you to foster a collaborative relationship and discuss your care in depth. 

A Balanced View: The Risks and Benefits of Joining a Clinical Trial

Like many advancements, clinical trials come with benefits and drawbacks. Benefits include:

• Accessing new, cutting-edge treatments
• Receiving expert care
• Contributing to science and medical advancements
• Potential for compensation for time and travel 
• Contributing to your treatment plan

Despite the immense opportunities of participating in a clinical trial, they are not without some risk. It’s important to understand these risks before enrolling. Always discuss potential risks with the research team conducting the trial and your healthcare provider and weigh them against the benefits to determine if a trial is right for you. 

Consider these risks and drawbacks:

• Potential for unknown side effects: The most significant risk of clinical trials is the potential for unknown side effects. Because new treatments are still being studied, they may cause unexpected or more severe side effects than standard therapies. 
• Lack of guarantee for better treatment: Treatments may not work as you or your research team hoped. A new drug or device may be less effective than existing treatments. Alternatively, you could be randomly placed in a placebo group, meaning you may not have access to the new treatment during your trial participation. 
• Time requirements: Clinical trials often require more doctor visits, scans, blood tests, or other procedures. While these tests are critical for evaluating your body’s response and the treatment’s effectiveness, they can be time-consuming or uncomfortable. 
• Uncertainty or emotional stress: New treatments can have long-term effects that researchers did not anticipate during the early trial phases. The uncertainty of possible long-term effects could cause emotional stress during and after your participation. 

Are You Eligible? Clinical Trial Eligibility Criteria Explained

Inclusion and exclusion criteria refer to a set of parameters a research team defines to select appropriate participants for a study. These criteria are crucial for ensuring participant safety and data integrity. While specific inclusion criteria will vary from one trial to another, they generally include elements like:

• Age
• Gender
• Disease type
• Stage of disease
• Overall health status
• Treatment history

Alternatively, exclusion criteria are characteristics that prevent someone from joining a clinical trial. Some conditions or medications could interact poorly with a new treatment, threatening participant safety. Additionally, some aspects could impact the study’s scientific integrity, making results inaccurate. Common exclusion characteristics include:

• Conflicting health conditions
• Taking certain medications
• Prior trial participation
• Substance use
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

In some cases, special considerations are taken into account. For example, participants must be able to commit to the study duration and attend regular checkups and visits. For these reasons, participants may need to reside in a certain geographical area and have scheduling flexibility. 

More About the Informed Consent Process in Clinical Research

Another essential aspect of becoming a trial participant is informed consent. Informed consent is more than just a signature on a document — it’s an ongoing conversation and process. Trial participants must fully understand the study they are considering joining, including its purpose, benefits, procedures, and risks. Researchers have an ethical and legal obligation to ensure participants understand this information and can exercise their rights appropriately. 

Every clinical trial requires a written document providing comprehensive study information. This document will outline the study’s purpose and procedures, so participants can understand what will happen and how long the treatment will last. It will also discuss potential risks and potential benefits to the participant or future patients. 

Informed consent documents also outline how a team will use and protect your personal and medical information. If your trial involves compensation, you can expect to learn about any incurred costs and your payments. 

Remember that trial participation must be voluntary, but you can withdraw from a study at any time for any reason without penalty. Additionally, if new findings could affect your willingness to continue a study, the research team must inform you promptly. If you have any questions throughout the study, your research team will be available to answer them, creating a collaborative experience. 

The Role of Placebos in Clinical Research

A placebo is an inactive substance or treatment that looks the same as an active treatment. These substances allow research teams to create control groups to measure the true effect of an investigational treatment. In some trials, placebos also help to eliminate bias. For example, in double-blind studies, neither party knows which participants receive the placebo, preventing any expectations from influencing the results. 

Many times, a placebo is compared to a new treatment in addition to existing treatments. However, not all trials use placebos. Trials that will use placebo substances must inform participants during the consent process.

How Much Do You Get Paid for Clinical Trials?

Many studies, especially those in earlier phases, offer payment for participants’ time, travel, and effort. Researchers understand that clinical trials can require a lengthy time commitment. Some studies require only a few outpatient visits, while others may need longer inpatient stays. Depending on your involvement and the study requirements, you could receive a small stipend or several thousand dollars.

One study suggests that the median clinical trial compensation in the United States is just over $3,070. However, these numbers can vary greatly. Generally, a study’s length, procedures, and required commitments will impact the total compensation. Some teams may also offer to reimburse the cost of meals, lodging, or travel in addition to direct payments. Either way, the research team will always provide this information up front and transparently.

How to Find Paid Clinical Trials Near You

If you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial, you can rely on trusted sources to point you in the right direction. First, you should speak with your healthcare provider. Your provider can offer recommendations based on your previous treatment history, overall health, and any concerns you wish to address. They may also have insight into local trials or ground-breaking possibilities for specific conditions.

Databases like ClinicalTrials.gov empower you to search for trials by parameters, such as condition, treatment, or location. You can also visit local hospitals, clinics, and research platforms to learn more about upcoming studies.

If you’re looking for a study in your area, explore opportunities directly with trusted research organizations like Flourish Research. We conduct a wide range of studies across multiple locations, making it easy to see what’s available and enroll in active studies.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor and Research Team Before Enrolling

Open communication is a crucial element of enrolling in a clinical trial. Never hesitate to ask for clarification or more details on any part of the process. Your team is there to help you and address any concerns while maintaining your comfort and safety as a top priority.

Use these questions as a comprehensive checklist with your research team or doctor before enrolling:

• How will I be informed about the study results?
• What is the purpose of this study?
• What will I be asked to do, and how much time will it take?
• Why do researchers believe this treatment will work?
• How often will I need to visit the clinic or hospital?
• What are the possible risks and benefits?
• Will I be compensated for my time and travel?
• How is my safety being monitored?
• What happens if I experience side effects or complications?
• Can I continue taking my current medications?
• Can I continue seeing my regular doctor?
• What happens if I want to leave the study?
• Who can I contact if I have questions during the trial?

Explore Available Clinical Trial Opportunities

Participating in a clinical trial is a significant decision that can potentially offer personal benefits and empower you to contribute to the health of future generations. Explore your options, talk to your doctor, and reach out to research centers like Flourish with any questions. With the right information, you can choose what feels best for you.

Flourish Research supports the advancement of life-changing treatments. We strive to give each participant the best study experience possible and will always keep you informed from start to finish. Considering becoming a participant? Get in touch with our team to learn more.

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Learn more about the acquisition here.

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Flourish Research is proud to announce the acquisition of Diablo Clinical Research, a premier multi-therapeutic clinical research facility based in Walnut Creek, California. Established in 1995, Diablo has conducted over 1,000 phase I-IV clinical trials and medical device studies, with particular strengths in endocrinology, cardiovascular, and metabolic research.

This strategic acquisition expands Flourish Research’s geographic footprint and therapeutic capabilities, enhancing our ability to deliver high-quality data, diverse participant enrollment, and exceptional patient experiences. With Diablo’s experienced investigators and proximity to Silicon Valley, Flourish is well-positioned to drive innovation across pharmaceuticals, emerging biotechs, and medical device studies.

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NMS Capital Portfolio Company Flourish Research Announces Partnership with ENCORE Research Group

New York, NY, June 25, 2024 – NMS Capital (“NMS”) portfolio company Flourish Research (“Flourish”)
announced today that it has partnered with ENCORE Research Group (“ENCORE” or the “Company”).
ENCORE is a leading clinical research organization with eight locations across Northern Florida. With
100+ investigators, ENCORE brings expertise across multiple therapeutic areas, including cardiology,
metabolic, neuroscience, gastroenterology, orthopedics, autoimmune, pediatrics, early phase, and
infectious disease. The partnership withENCORE represents the eleventh addition to Flourish since its
formation in 2021 and will complement the Flourish platform through additional scale, a depth of
therapeutic experience, as well as key talent. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

In 1997, Dr. Michael Koren founded ENCORE and, subsequently, has scaled the organization
significantly, building an extensive physician network in Northern Florida that provides a differentiated
approach to clinical research. Since its inception, ENCORE has conducted 3,200+ clinical trials across
50+ therapeutic areas. Dr. Koren is a practicing cardiologist, a fellow of the American College of
Cardiology, two-time past President of the Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research, and President of
the regional chapter of the American Heart Association. As a thought leader, Dr. Koren has published
dozens of peer-reviewed manuscripts in the highest impact journals, including the Journal of the American
College of Cardiology, Circulation, New England Journal of Medicine, and The Lancet. He holds US Patents
(one pending) related to improving the clinical research process. He started and serves as the Executive
Editor for MedEvidence!, an educational platform for patients and physicians that houses resources
for study recruitment and physician training (medevidence.com).

Dr. Koren, Founder and CEO of ENCORE, said, “We have been very impressed during our interactions
with the Flourish team and feel confident that we’ve found the right partner for our next phase of growth.
Our staff and extensive network of physician investigators have expressed enthusiasm about our future
with Flourish, working together to provide the best clinical trial services as part of a national company.”
Reinhold Schulz, CEO of Flourish Research, noted, “We are excited to welcome ENCORE to the Flourish
family. I’ve gotten to know Dr. Koren and his key lieutenants very well, and the cultural fit was evident
from our initial meetings. ENCORE brings expertise that will be additive to Flourish and has a robust
backlog and pipeline of studies that will bring immediate value to the combined organization.”

Luis Gonzalez, Senior Partner at NMS Capital, noted, “The partnership with ENCORE further enhances
Flourish’s geographic footprint and capabilities in its core therapeutic areas, while bringing a deep bench
of scientific thought leaders. The transformative partnership will provide ENCORE the opportunity to
leverage the significant infrastructure investment Flourish has made in its differentiated patient
recruitment, commercial, and diversity strategy. This approach will result in a win-win for our patients,
employees, and biopharma customers.”

About Flourish Research:

Flourish Research was founded to address the highly fragmented clinical trial site market. By acquiring
and fully integrating best-in-class sites, Flourish provides a unique opportunity to serve sponsors and
CROs with increased speed and efficiency across a variety of therapeutic areas and indications, while
offering a single point of entry to multiple sites. Flourish currently has locations in Alabama, California,
Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Texas.

For additional information on Flourish, please visit our website at https://flourishresearch.com/

About NMS Capital:

Founded in 2010, NMS Capital is an experienced private equity firm managing assets in excess of $1.5
billion. Since its inception, NMS has partnered with management teams in over 150 investments and follow-on acquisitions across defined investment themes within the Business Services and Healthcare Services industries.

The firm’s principal strategy is to create long-term value by providing strategic and
operational resources to growth-oriented companies led by founders or experienced management
teams. NMS has successfully built industry-leading lower middle market companies in defensible and
scalable end markets by accelerating organic and acquisition-driven growth.

For additional information on NMS, please visit the firm’s website at www.nms-capital.com.

Follow NMS Capital on www.linkedin.com/company/nms-capital.

For Further Information Contact:
Jonathan Spero
Principal
(212) 574-7014
jspero@nms-capital.com

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Fatty liver disease affects approximately 100 million Americans, making it the most common chronic liver condition in the country. This silent epidemic often develops without obvious symptoms, quietly accumulating fat in the liver until it reaches problematic levels. The encouraging news is that prevention and early intervention through targeted dietary choices and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce your risk and even reverse early-stage liver damage.

Understanding how to protect your liver through evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies empowers you to take control of your health. Clinical research continues to reveal the profound impact that specific dietary patterns, particularly the Mediterranean diet, can have on liver function and overall metabolic health.

Understanding Fatty Liver Disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells. When fat buildup exceeds 5% of your liver’s weight, it begins to interfere with normal liver function and can trigger inflammation.

The condition progresses through distinct stages. Initially, fat simply collects in liver cells without causing inflammation. However, some individuals develop metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly called NASH, where inflammation damages liver tissue. Without intervention, MASH can advance to cirrhosis—severe scarring that impairs liver function—and potentially liver cancer or complete liver failure.

MASLD has become increasingly prevalent, particularly in Western nations where rising obesity rates parallel the surge in metabolic disorders. The condition often develops alongside other metabolic conditions, creating a cascade of health challenges that require comprehensive management strategies.

Risk Factors and Underlying Causes

Several interconnected factors contribute to fatty liver disease development. Obesity, particularly when excess weight concentrates around the waist, significantly increases risk. Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance create metabolic environments that promote fat storage in liver cells.

High triglyceride levels and elevated cholesterol further compound the problem by disrupting normal lipid processing. Genetic factors also play a role, as some individuals possess genetic variations that make them more susceptible to fat accumulation in liver tissue.

Additional risk factors include polycystic ovary syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, underactive thyroid or pituitary glands, and growth hormone deficiency. While experts don’t fully understand why some people develop fatty liver disease while others with similar risk profiles do not, the connection to metabolic dysfunction remains clear.

The Mediterranean Diet: Your Liver’s Best Friend

Clinical research consistently identifies the Mediterranean diet as the most effective nutritional approach for preventing and managing fatty liver disease. This eating pattern emphasizes whole foods rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols—plant compounds with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The Mediterranean approach centers on abundant fruits and vegetables, providing essential nutrients that support liver detoxification processes. Aim for at least three servings of vegetables daily, focusing on nonstarchy options like asparagus, broccoli, carrots, and spinach while limiting starchy vegetables such as potatoes.

Include at least two servings of fruit daily, choosing whole fruits over juice to maximize fiber intake and minimize sugar spikes. The fiber content helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports healthy gut bacteria, both crucial for optimal liver function.

Protein and Healthy Fats

Incorporate fish and seafood at least three times weekly, emphasizing fatty, cold-water varieties like salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, and herring. These fish provide omega-3 fatty acids that actively reduce liver inflammation and support cellular repair processes.

Legumes and beans deserve special attention in your meal planning. Include three or more servings weekly of peas, lentils, and various beans—red, black, lima, kidney, soy, and navy varieties. These protein-rich foods provide sustained energy while supporting liver health through their fiber and nutrient content.

When selecting grains, choose 100% whole grain options for breads, rice, pasta, oatmeal, and tortillas. These complex carbohydrates provide steady energy without the blood sugar spikes associated with refined grains.

Add four servings of nuts and seeds weekly, selecting raw, unsalted varieties such as almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds. These provide healthy fats and protein while supporting overall metabolic health.

Cooking Oils and Beverages

Choose healthy cooking oils like olive, grapeseed, and avocado oil, which provide monounsaturated fats that support liver function. Avoid oils labeled “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated,” as these processed fats can exacerbate liver inflammation.

For beverages, prioritize water and unsweetened tea. While wine is traditionally included in the Mediterranean diet, individuals with fatty liver disease should avoid alcohol entirely, as it can worsen liver damage and disease progression.

Essential Lifestyle Changes

Weight management forms the cornerstone of fatty liver disease prevention and treatment. For individuals who are overweight or obese, gradual weight loss through calorie reduction, increased physical activity, and healthy eating patterns can significantly improve liver health.

Regular physical activity provides multiple benefits beyond weight control. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week, after receiving clearance from your healthcare team if you haven’t been exercising regularly. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, and supports healthy liver metabolism.

A plant-based approach to eating, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes while limiting red meat and processed foods, aligns perfectly with liver health goals. This dietary pattern naturally provides the nutrients your liver needs while minimizing inflammatory compounds.

Working with a registered dietitian can help you develop a personalized nutrition plan that addresses your specific health needs, preferences, and lifestyle factors. Professional guidance ensures you’re making sustainable changes that support long-term liver health.

Recognizing Symptoms and Monitoring Health

Fatty liver disease often develops silently, earning its reputation as a “silent” condition. When symptoms do appear, they typically include persistent fatigue, malaise, and discomfort or pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen where your liver is located.

As the condition progresses to MASH or cirrhosis, more serious symptoms may develop. These can include itchy skin, abdominal swelling (ascites), shortness of breath, swelling in legs and feet, spider-like blood vessels on the skin, enlarged spleen, changes in palm color, and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes).

Regular medical check-ups and liver function tests become crucial for monitoring your liver health, especially if you have risk factors for fatty liver disease. Early detection allows for timely intervention that can prevent progression to more serious complications.

Clinical Research and Future Directions

Ongoing clinical research continues to expand our understanding of fatty liver disease prevention and treatment. Current studies are investigating the role of specific nutrients, exercise protocols, and combination therapies in managing this condition.

Clinical trials are exploring how different dietary interventions affect liver metabolism, inflammation markers, and long-term outcomes. This research provides the evidence base that informs current treatment recommendations and may reveal new therapeutic approaches.

Participation in clinical research studies can provide access to cutting-edge treatments while also helping advance medical science. These studies often include comprehensive monitoring and expert care, potentially offering benefits beyond standard treatment approaches.

Taking Action for Your Liver Health

Preventing fatty liver disease requires a comprehensive approach that addresses diet, exercise, weight management, and overall metabolic health. The Mediterranean diet provides an evidence-based framework for nourishing your liver while supporting overall wellness.

Start by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, and whole grains into your daily meals. Replace refined oils with healthier options like olive oil, and consider adding coffee to your daily routine if you don’t already drink it regularly.

Remember that sustainable changes develop gradually. Work with healthcare professionals, including your physician and a registered dietitian, to create a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle and health needs. Regular monitoring ensures you’re making progress and allows for adjustments as needed.

Your liver health is within your control. By adopting these evidence-based strategies and maintaining consistent healthy habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of fatty liver disease while supporting your overall metabolic health and well-being.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567

http://mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/in-depth/fatty-liver-disease-masld-diet/art-20588469 

https://healthline.com/health/fatty-liver-diet#coffee

https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/gastrointestinal-articles/fatty-liver-disease-diet

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15831-fatty-liver-disease

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Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.

According to recent estimates by the Alzheimer’s Association, as many as 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number continues to grow. By the year 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 14 million. In addition, it is estimated that 16.1 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. The growing number of people with Alzheimer’s disease and the costs associated with the disease places a heavy social and economic burden on society.

Although we still do not know the cause of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers believe that brain changes begin as early as 10 to 20 years before any symptoms such as memory loss arise. Amyloid Plaques and Tau Tangles begin to develop deep in the brain, resulting in healthy brain cells working less efficiently. These brain cells lose their ability to function and communicate with each other, and eventually they die. This damaging process affects the hippocampus, which is essential in forming memories.

Through advance technologies such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, researchers are now able to visualize and track the progression of amyloid plaque and tau tangle build-up. New studies and medications are designed to potentially slow down, reduce or eliminate this build up and in turn, slow down or prevent future memory loss.

There are currently no medications available by prescription to treat, prevent or slow down Alzheimer’s disease. Participation in a clinical trial is the only way we will ever identify a medication to target this deadly disease. We encourage you to consider participation, if not for yourself, but for future generations.

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Eat Well

Sleep Well

Connect with Family & Friends

Exercise Your Brain

Relax & Reduce Stress

Control Risk Factors

Get Involved in Research

Through the Acti-v8 Your Brain program, you’ll learn more about the importance of brain health and be connected with research in your community.

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