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KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- A new Duke University study on Alzheimer's will utilize samples from the Murdock study at the North Carolina Research Campus. More than 170,000 North Carolinians have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Duke scientists will use some of the samples provided to the Murdock study to learn more about prevention and a cure.

"It's a very complicated disease and there's still a lot that's unknown to researchers," said Michelle McCart, the clinical research coordinator for the Bryan Alzheimer's Research Center at Duke University. "There's risk factor information that's known, but they're still looking for the other pieces to the puzzle to be completely enlightened of the mystery of Alzheimer's disease."

The Murdock study only enrolls people over 18 who live in Cabarrus County and Kannapolis. to enroll in the Alzheimer's research program you must be over 55 and not have an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Right now, 6,000 people are enrolled in the Murdock study. The goal is to register 50,000 people.

"Ultimately, of course we want a cure for diseases, but it's baby steps," said McCart. "It takes one person standing up and saying, 'hey I want to be a part of something bigger.'"