Looking Ahead – New Alzheimer’s Drugs that Could Be Approved Soon

Last year, regulatory agencies in the U.S., Japan, China, and the U.K. all approved Eli Lilly’s new Alzheimer’s anti-amyloid drug Kisunla. Based on the status of drugs in the development pipeline, we don’t expect there to be another new Alzheimer’s drug in 2025. But, there are several promising drug candidates with Phase 3 trials wrapping […]

Looking for Vision Loss to Diagnose and Prevent Dementia

The eyes are the only part of the nervous system that we can see directly, without invasive tools or expensive imaging. And this makes them like windows into the brain. Scientists are learning that vision tests and simple retinal scans can reveal important data about brain health — data that could be key to the […]

Four Dementia-Friendly Activities for the Holidays

The holidays are one of the few times of the year that the whole family gets together. For people who have a loved one with dementia, it can be challenging to plan activities to keep your loved one included and engaged. Here are some fun, expert-vetted ideas to ensure a fun and memorable experience for […]

Editing Genes to Beat Alzheimer’s

The underlying cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, but scientists have lots of reason to believe that people’s genetics affect how susceptible they are: Some genes multiply risk, while others appear to be protective. And until recently, scientists didn’t have the tools to add, subtract, or edit genes involved in diseases like Alzheimer’s. That’s changing: […]

Is It Normal Aging or Dementia?

Every morning, you go for a run around the neighborhood. Today, as you’re on your way home at the end of the run, you can’t remember whether to turn left or right. Is this an age-related memory lapse or the first signs of something more serious? While many people experience occasional memory lapses as they […]

Creative Ways to Cope with Cognitive Decline

After receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, former university chancellor Rebecca Chopp picked up painting, while acclaimed flutist Eugenia Zukerman continued to play music and picked up writing to make sense of her journey. Creative activities help those with cognitive decline and their caregivers reduce stress and stay mentally engaged. Here’s how these hobbies are helping people […]

Unexpected Symptoms: How To Manage Personality Changes in Dementia

Written by Being Patient Personality changes are not often talked about as a common symptom of dementia, so when these changes start to appear in a friend, care subject or loved one, they can seem abrupt, surprising, and disarming. While new differences in behavior — from sudden anger, irritation, anxiety, to, even, usual sexual behavior […]

What If Your Smartphone Could Detect Cognitive Decline?

Written by Being Patient Detecting Alzheimer’s early is crucial because it allows people to get new treatments, participate in clinical trials, and make positive lifestyle changes. We now know that our voice might be the first thing that changes before any other symptoms. And so voice biomarkers, as an early diagnostic tool, might be coming […]

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If you are interested in learning more or participating in any of our studies, please fill out the form below and our office will get back to you within 1-2 business days. 

*By signing up you agree to be contacted about clinical research studies by our company, its affiliates or partners. Typical methods of contact include phone calls, text messages, pre-recorded messages, emails, automated technology or postal mail. This includes if the number is currently on any Do Not Call Lists. As we contact you, your electronic record will be updated accordingly with current relevant health information. This consent is not required to participate in a clinical research study.

K2 is Closed for the holidays

All K2 locations will be closed from December 24, 2024 – January 5, 2025.  We will reopen on January 6, 2025.  In the meantime, please check out our website to learn more about our clinical research trials, our teams, and ways you can join our growing team.  

Wishing you and your families a Happy Holiday Season! 

Melissa Belardo, APRN

Clinical Investigator

Melissa Belardo, is a certified family nurse practitioner (FNP-BC), joins K2 Medical Research with more than a decade of clinical experience. She has served as an investigator in over 20 trials. Prior to clinical research, she held roles in gastroenterology, hepatology, and nurse education.

Melissa’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Adventist University, followed by a master’s degree in Family Nurse Practitioner from Georgetown University.

Melissa is a native of the US Virgin Islands’ and is fluent in both English and Spanish; Melissa has lived in central Florida for the past twenty years. When she’s not at work, you can find her volunteering at her local church and spending time with family.