Early Stage PD Clinical Trials (not on PD medications)

Do you have early Parkinson’s disease that you aren’t currently treating with any PD medications?

Purpose
The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) is an observational research study to identify biomarkers of PD progression. A biomarker is a substance or characteristic in our bodies that is associated with the presence of disease, or that changes over time in a way that can be linked to the progression of disease. The purpose of this study is to identify one or more biomarkers of PD. The discovery of a biomarker of PD is critical to the development of new and better treatments for PD, particularly treatments that could slow or stop the progression of the disease, something no currently available treatment can do.

Participation Requirement
This study will recruit both PD subjects and healthy volunteer subjects. In order to participate in this study as a PD subject you must have been diagnosed with PD within the last two years. You must have been 30 years or older at the time of your PD diagnosis. You also must not be taking any medications for your Parkinson’s disease. In order to participate as a healthy volunteer subject you must not have a first degree relative diagnosed with PD. You must be 30 years old at the time of the screening appointment and you must not have a current or active neurological disorder. The study will use a combination of imaging techniques, collection of blood, urine and spinal fluid and clinical tests. If enrolled subjects will undergo four study visits in their first year, with visits twice a year thereafter. Subjects will be enrolled in the study for 3-5 years depending on their date of enrollment.

For more information please contact Emily Pighetti at 503-494-1382 or pighetti@ohsu.edu. IRB#6459