Alzheimer’s scientists say they can’t find a cure if they can’t do the research… and they can’t do the research if they don’t have volunteers. One of the biggest challenges for clinical trial participants is transportation. Now, as Indiana Public Broadcasting’s Jill Sheridan reports, a new partnership aims to provide rides for volunteers in a new Eli Lilly study.

The trial will test therapies that aim to address a plaque buildup associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Indiana University School of Medicine is one of the research sites and clinical research manager Christina Brown says the completion of the trial is important.

“And the only way we can do that is with consistent, loyal, capable volunteers,” says Brown.

The Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation, GAP, partnered with the ride-share company Lyft to provide transportation.

Brown says it’s been hard to recruit participants.

“We know that volunteers are out there but there are variables that make it difficult for them to participate,” says Brown.

She says they can help participants use an app that schedules the rides.

“We are able to get on there and program rides to and from our site,” says Brown.

The IU site wants to enroll 10-12 volunteers for a new Eli Lilly study.

An estimated 85 percent of trials are delayed because of enrollment issues.