Question 19: Why aren't there more MS trials for those over 65?

Answer: When designing a research study that includes human participation, the priority for any researcher is that the study is safe.  To ensure this is the case, the researcher outlines certain criteria to guard against exposing participants to any negative effects, as far as can be foreseen.  The areas that are mostly scrutinised are other medical conditions and age.  The reason age is always a part of the inclusion criteria, and quite often has a lower age threshold, is because people who are older are often at higher risk of experiencing unforeseen negative effects, than a participant who is of a younger age.  In studies where age is not felt to be a factor, you will often find the age range specified as ‘18+’, such as in the study Chariot.