PHX Reporter

Bud Wilson and Deborah Fink, a couple from Anchorage, Alaska, have completed a significant journey in medical research. After 33 years of exploring the globe together, Bud was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD). This diagnosis led them to travel regularly to Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Arizona, for specialized treatment and participation in a clinical trial.

They took part in the SHIMMER study, a second-phase research trial focusing on a potential treatment for mild to moderate LBD. Deborah supported Bud as his study partner. LBD affects over a million people in the United States, and there is currently no cure. It is characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, affecting cognitive and physical functions.

The couple traveled every two weeks for three months and then monthly to Arizona, adjusting to the challenges of climate differences. Despite the difficulties, Deborah emphasizes, “Clinical trials give you hope, and when you have a disease that’s progressive, that doesn’t have any cure, having hope is super important. You always have to look at the positive side of things, to move yourself forward."

Deborah praised the staff at Banner, saying, “The folks at Banner are wonderful. I could hardly find nicer people. They are really good at what they do, very warm and non-clinical.” The SHIMMER trial's recent highlight at a medical conference in Amsterdam gave the couple a sense of contribution and pride.

Banner Sun Health Research Institute, part of Banner Health, has been at the forefront of research into aging disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's since 1986. The institute's Cleo Roberts Center for Clinical Research focuses on translating laboratory discoveries into clinical trials for new treatments. For more details on Banner's clinical trials, visit their website or social media platforms.