Parkinson Disease
The Center for Medical Genetics is engaged in innovative research to develop early detection methods for Parkinson disease. The genetics of Parkinson disease is not straightforward. Given this ambiguity, it is difficult to develop screening protocols based on single gene tests. The Center for Medical Genetics is collaborating with the NorthShore University HealthSystem Movement Disorders Center to combine genetic testing and early screening in order to better identify individuals at risk for early-onset Parkinson disease.
Development of Valid Markers and Risk Factors to Identify Patients in the Pre-Clinical Phase of Parkinson Disease
Investigators
Study Principal Investigator: Karen Marder, MD, MPH (Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons)
NorthShore University HealthSystem Site Principal Investigator: Michael Rezak, MD, PhD
NorthShore University HealthSystem Co Investigators: Kevin E. Novak, PhD, Gina Medalle, RN, Sandy Vergenz, RN, Michael Mercury, PhD, Linea Ferguson, MA, Wendy S. Rubinstein, MD, PhD, Scott Weissman, MS, CGC, Emmanuel K. Nenonene, PhD, DSc, Lawrence P. Bernstein, MD
Capsule
Clinical genetic testing is available for some rare forms of Parkinson disease, but most genetic testing is still in the research phase. In this study, we will compare subjects at the earliest stages of Parkinson disease with healthy, age-matched control subjects, to see which tests will be most useful for differentiating between the two groups. Future studies will use this information to screen the population and follow individuals at risk for developing Parkinson disease over several years.
Study Participant Recruitment & Eligibility
Recruitment open
-
age 35 to 60 years old
-
ability and the willingness to comply with study requirements (including transportation to Madison, WI for a PET scan) and to sign informed consent before enrolling
-
neurologically and psychiatrically intact (except with Parkinson Disease diagnosed less than 2 years ago)
You will be asked to participate in 4 clinical visits in which you will undergo a series of tests to determine your physical and neurological ability. In addition, you will be asked to donate a small amount of blood for analysis of enzymes and genetic mutations. You also will be asked to provide a personal medical history and answer questions about events that may have increased your risk for Parkinson disease.
If interested in participating in this study, please call us for more specific information on eligibility at 847.657-5875.