Have you ever seen an advertisement for a clinical research study and wondered what happens after you submit your information?

Expressing interest in a clinical trial does not mean you are automatically enrolled. Instead, it starts a process that allows you and the research team to determine whether the study may be a good fit.

While every study is different, here are five steps you can generally expect:

1. Submit Your Information

You may start by completing an online form, responding to an advertisement, or contacting a research site. You may be asked for basic information about your age, location, health history, or condition.

Submitting your information does not commit you to participating.

2. Speak With The Team

A member of the research team will contact you to learn more about your health and answer questions about the study.

If you appear to meet the initial requirements, the team may schedule an in-person screening visit.

3. Complete Your Visit

During your initial visit, the research team will gather more detailed information to determine whether you meet the study requirements. Depending on the study, this may include:

• Reviewing your medical history and medications

• Completing questionnaires

• Performing other health assessments

You will also have the opportunity to review the informed consent form, ask questions, and learn about the study before deciding whether to participate.

4. Find Out If You Qualify

The research team will review your screening information to determine whether you meet the study’s eligibility requirements.

If you qualify, the team will explain the next steps. You can decide whether participating is right for you—expressing interest or completing screening does not obligate you to enroll.

5. Begin The Study

If you choose to participate and are enrolled, you will follow the schedule outlined in the study protocol.

Depending on the study, this may include in-person visits, phone calls, health assessments, laboratory testing, questionnaires, or receiving a study treatment.

Throughout the study, your research team will be available to answer questions and address concerns.

Considering a Clinical Trial?

Every clinical trial is different, including its eligibility requirements, procedures, number of visits, and length of participation.

If you’re interested in clinical research, the first step is simply learning more.

Explore available studies at Conquest Research to see whether a clinical trial may be right for you.

Getting a good night’s sleep can feel harder with each passing year. Maybe you’re waking up at 3am for no reason, needing a nap you never used to take, or lying awake even though you’re exhausted. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and it’s not just in your head. As we age, sleep naturally changes, but there’s a lot you can do to rest easier.

Why Sleep Changes

Sleep isn’t just harder to get — it’s different. Older adults tend to spend less time in deep, restorative sleep and more time in lighter stages, which makes it easier to wake up during the night. Circadian rhythms (the body’s internal clock) also shift, often making people feel sleepy earlier in the evening and wide awake before dawn.

On top of that, health conditions, medications, and things like frequent bathroom trips can all interrupt sleep. It’s a combination of factors, not a single cause, and that’s part of why sleep can feel so unpredictable later in life.

What Actually Helps

The good news is that small, consistent habits can make a real difference:

• Keep a consistent wake time. Waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps anchor your body’s internal clock more effectively than a strict bedtime does.

• Watch napping, caffeine, and alcohol. A short nap can help, but long or late naps can make nighttime sleep harder. The same goes for caffeine in the afternoon and alcohol close to bedtime.

• Move during the day. Regular physical activity, even a daily walk, is linked to better sleep quality at night.

When To Talk To A Doctor

Occasional restless nights are normal, but ongoing sleep trouble is worth mentioning to a healthcare provider. Chronic insomnia, loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness can be signs of a sleep disorder like sleep apnea — and these are treatable once identified.

The Bottom Line

Sleep may look different as we get older, but that doesn’t mean restful nights are out of reach. Small changes to your daily routine can add up, and if sleep troubles persist, it’s worth asking for help.

Sleep is also an active area of clinical research, with ongoing studies exploring conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. If you’re curious about participating in research or want to learn more, we invite you to explore current studies at Conquest Research.

Clinical research is essential to advancing new treatments and improving healthcare. At Conquest Research, we believe being a great research site goes beyond enrollment numbers. It means putting participants first, making research more accessible, and bringing together experienced teams to support every study from start to finish.

The Participant Experience

Whether someone discovers us online, hears about a study through a healthcare provider, or sees one of our advertisements, our goal is to approach every interaction with care, compassion, and respect. Our teams take the time to listen, answer questions, and help individuals understand their research options.

That support continues throughout the study. We want participants to feel informed, supported, and comfortable throughout their research journey.

Accessible Care

With research sites across Florida, Georgia, and Virginia, along with our Mobile Research Unit (MRU) serving communities throughout Central and North Florida, we’re working to bring research opportunities closer to the communities we serve.

Through community events, healthcare provider partnerships, and mobile research, we’re able to connect with people who may not otherwise know that clinical research opportunities are available.

Experienced Research Teams

Clinical research takes a team. At Conquest Research, our multidisciplinary teams include Principal Investigators, Clinical Research Coordinators, Pharmacy Technicians, Laboratory Specialists, Regulatory Specialists, Quality Control, and Recruitment professionals, among others.

Each team plays an important role in keeping studies organized, compliant, and running efficiently while supporting participants throughout the research process.

What It All Comes Down To

A great clinical research site brings together participant-focused care, accessibility, and experienced teams to create a positive research experience while helping studies move forward.

At Conquest Research, we’re proud to contribute to the advancement of clinical research and connect more people with opportunities to play a role in the future of healthcare.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, but many cardiovascular conditions can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. Small, consistent changes to your daily habits can improve heart health, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and decrease your risk of developing chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes.

Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health or reduce your risk of heart disease, these lifestyle changes can make a lasting impact.

Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps maintain a healthy weight. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing.

Physical activity also helps lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol levels, and increase insulin sensitivity — all important factors in cardiovascular health.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Carrying excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Losing even 5-10% of your body weight can lead to meaningful improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall cardiovascular health.

Sustainable lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and regular movement, often provide greater long-term success than restrictive diets.

Prioritize Sleep and Stress Management

Sleep and stress play an important role in heart health. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night, as poor sleep has been linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Managing stress through exercise, mindfulness, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or relaxation techniques can also help lower cardiovascular risk and support overall well-being.

Explore Clinical Research Opportunities

At Conquest Research, we’re committed to advancing treatments that improve the lives of people living with chronic health conditions.

We are currently enrolling participants for cardiometabolic disorders designed to evaluate potential new treatment options. Eligible participants may receive study-related care at no cost, and health insurance is not required to participate.

Learn more about our current studies here.

Your liver is one of the body’s most important organs, working around the clock to keep you healthy. It performs hundreds of essential functions that support your overall well-being, making liver health an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

What Does The Liver Do?

Located in the upper right side of your abdomen, the liver helps your body function properly by:

• Filtering toxins and waste from your blood

• Processing nutrients from the food you eat

• Producing bile to help digest fats

Because the liver is involved in so many vital processes, keeping it healthy is essential for your overall health.

What Is MASH?

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) is a liver disease that develops when excess fat builds up in the liver, causing inflammation and damage.

MASH is closely linked to metabolic health and is more common in people with:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Obesity

• High cholesterol

Many people with MASH have few or no symptoms in its early stages, making routine liver screenings especially important.

Know Your Liver Health

A FibroScan is a quick and non-invasive exam that measures liver fat and stiffness, helping identify potential liver disease before symptoms appear.

At Conquest Research, we offer free FibroScan liver screenings to help eligible individuals better understand their liver health.

If you’re interested in learning more about your liver health, contact Conquest Research to see if you’re eligible for a free FibroScan screening.

When people think about maintaining their health, they often focus on physical fitness. However, brain health is just as important. The choices we make each day can influence memory, thinking skills, and overall cognitive well-being throughout life. While aging is inevitable, certain lifestyle habits may help support a healthier brain and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Stay Active & Eat Well

Regular physical activity and a balanced diet are two of the most powerful tools for supporting brain health. Exercise helps improve blood flow to the brain and supports cardiovascular health, which is closely connected to cognitive function. Likewise, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients that help the brain perform at its best.

Prioritize Sleep

Sleep does much more than help you feel rested. During sleep, the brain processes information, strengthens memories, and clears away waste products that build up throughout the day. Consistently getting enough quality sleep can support memory, concentration, and overall cognitive performance.

Challenge & Protect Your Brain

Activities such as reading, learning a new skill, completing puzzles, or pursuing hobbies can help stimulate the brain and maintain cognitive function. At the same time, protecting your head from injury by wearing helmets when appropriate and taking safety precautions can help safeguard your brain for years to come.

Learn More

If you have concerns about your memory or simply want to be proactive about your brain health, Conquest Research offers free memory exams to adults 55+. Taking the first step toward understanding your memory health can make all the difference.

Contact Conquest Research today to learn more about our free memory exams and ongoing research opportunities in your community.

 

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be both rewarding and challenging. While every Alzheimer’s journey is unique, there are steps caregivers can take to help both themselves and their loved ones navigate the condition.

Establish a Consistent Routine

Individuals living with Alzheimer’s often feel more comfortable when their daily schedule remains predictable. Maintaining consistent times for meals, activities, and sleep can help reduce confusion and anxiety. Simple routines can provide a sense of familiarity and make daily life easier to manage.

Communicate with Patience

As Alzheimer’s progresses, communication may become more difficult. When speaking with your loved one, use clear and simple language, maintain eye contact, and allow extra time for them to respond. Avoid correcting or arguing over forgotten details. Instead, focus on providing reassurance and understanding.

Create a Safe Environment

Making small adjustments around the home can help promote safety and independence. Labeling commonly used items, reducing clutter, and removing potential hazards can help prevent accidents and minimize frustration. A supportive environment can make everyday tasks more manageable for both caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s.

Take the First Step

You don’t have to face Alzheimer’s alone. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or concerned about memory changes, support and resources are available. Learn more about free memory assessments and Alzheimer’s research opportunities by contacting Conquest Research today.

Take a look around your home for a moment.

The Tylenol in your bathroom cabinet. The Advil you take after a long day. The Benadryl during allergy season. The NyQuil you reach for when you’re sick.

These are products most of us grab without a second thought. But every single one of them has a surprisingly long story behind it.

Advil’s Story

In the 1950s, a pharmacist named Stewart Adams was given a simple but difficult task: find a better painkiller for people with rheumatoid arthritis. The options available at the time worked, but they came with rough side effects that made them hard to use long-term.

So Adams and a chemist named John Nicholson got to work. They tested more than 600 different compounds — one by one — looking for something that could reduce pain and inflammation without the downsides. They narrowed it down to five finalists and put each one through clinical trials.

Four of them failed.

The fifth one worked. That compound became ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil. After 16 years of research and testing, it was finally approved in 1969. Today it’s one of the most commonly used pain relievers on the planet.

Clinical Trials

Most people picture clinical trials as something reserved for cancer treatments or rare conditions. But research studies also drive progress for everyday health issues that affect millions of Americans, like osteoarthritis, nerve pain (neuropathy), and diabetes.

The medications people reach for every day only got there because real people volunteered to be part of the research process.

Why It Still Matters

Behind every bottle on a pharmacy shelf is a team of researchers, physicians, and study volunteers who helped make it possible. Some of those breakthroughs took decades.

At Conquest Research, we’re proud to be part of that process. The studies happening today could be the medications people rely on twenty years from now.

Want to be a part of research? Check out our current studies!

Sleep does much more than help you feel rested. In fact, research continues to show a strong connection between sleep and cognitive health, including memory, focus, and learning ability. For adults of all ages, prioritizing healthy sleep habits may help support long-term brain function and overall wellness.

How Sleep Impacts Memory

While you sleep, your brain works to process information from the day and organize memories. According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep helps strengthen neural connections that support learning and memory retention. Both deep sleep and REM sleep are essential for “memory consolidation,” the process that helps transfer information from short-term memory into long-term storage.

When sleep is interrupted or insufficient, the brain may struggle to properly process and retain information. This can lead to forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and reduced mental clarity during the day.

The Link

Ongoing research has explored the relationship between poor sleep and long-term cognitive health. Studies suggest that chronic sleep deprivation and disrupted sleep patterns may be associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Although occasional restless nights are normal, consistently poor sleep may affect overall brain health over time. Experts continue to study how improving sleep quality could potentially support healthy aging and cognitive function.

Tips For Better Sleep

Getting quality sleep is one of the simplest ways to support your brain health. Adults are generally encouraged to aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Helpful sleep habits may include:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

• Limiting screen time before bed

• Staying physically active throughout the week

Small lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference in sleep quality and overall well-being.

Final Thoughts

Sleep and memory are closely connected, and prioritizing rest may help support both short-term focus and long-term cognitive health. As researchers continue learning more about the brain, one thing remains clear: healthy sleep habits are an important part of maintaining overall wellness.

Informed consent is a vital part of any clinical research study. It ensures participants fully understand what a study involves before agreeing to take part. At Conquest Research, informed consent is designed to protect your rights, safety, and well-being while giving you the information needed to make a confident decision.

The Process

During the informed consent process, you’ll receive clear details about the study’s purpose, procedures, potential risks, benefits, and your rights as a participant. This information is typically provided in a written document and explained by a member of the research team. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and take your time reviewing everything before signing.

Your Rights

Informed consent is not a one-time step — it’s an ongoing process. Even after you join a study, you can ask questions at any time and choose to leave the study for any reason. Participation is always voluntary, and your care will not be affected if you decide not to continue.

Why It Matters

Understanding informed consent helps build trust and transparency in clinical research. By ensuring every participant is fully informed, Conquest Research is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and patient-centered experience for everyone involved.