McLaughlin Research Institute establishes one of the nation’s first rural clinical research centers

GREAT FALLS — The McLaughlin Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences in Great Falls has served a major role in biomedical research in Montana for nearly 70 years.

While much of their research has focused on using mouse models as a way to dissect the genetic basis of susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases, they are on the path towards a much bigger goal, in the hopes that it will bring all sorts of benefits to the Treasure State. That goal is establishing one of the nation’s first rural clinical research centers, which will be aimed at expanding clinical research in neurodegenerative diseases.

McLaughlin Research Institute Assistant Professor, Tiffany Hensley-McBain stated, "There are hundreds of clinical trials enrolling in Alzheimer’s disease right now, and zero of them are recruiting in Montana. In fact, traditionally, only eight studies on Alzheimer’s disease have ever enrolled a Montanan."

McLaughlin Research Institute says the need for clinical research expansion in the state of Montana has become more important than ever. They noted that Montana has consistently ranked in the bottom 10% when it comes to participation and representation in clinical research nationwide.

They also mentioned that Montana has the sixth oldest population ratio in the nation. A little over 19 percent of our total population is over the age of 65.

McLaughlin Research Institute says due to the risk of neurodegenerative diseases increasing with age, promoting the expansion of science and medicine through clinical research that targets advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases is a priority concern.