Mediterranean diet slows Parkinson progression
- Trial ID
- NCT06207136
- Official Title
- Canadian Parkinson's Microbiome Initiative: A Pilot Phase 2 Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial of the MIND Diet in Parkinson's Disease
- Goal
- Mediterranean diet slows Parkinson progression
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- University of British Columbia
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 40 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease, Diet, Healthy, Gut Microbiome, Gastrointestinal Microbiome
- Interventions
- Mediterranean-style diet
Summary For Families
The goal is to see whether a MIND, Mediterranean-style diet can shift the gut microbiome and lower gut and brain inflammation, with the hope that those changes help motor and non-motor symptoms or slow disease-related decline. Participants are randomly assigned to follow the MIND diet, which emphasizes leafy greens, berries, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil while limiting red meat and sweets, to encourage healthier gut bacteria and reduce inflammatory signals; dopaminergic medications like levodopa are kept stable so any effects can be tied to the diet. About 40 people aged 40 to 80 with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's who are cognitively stable, able to attend six visits at UBC and most online sessions in English, and on stable dopaminergic medication are eligible; people with atypical parkinsonism, dementia, recent antibiotic or probiotic use, certain medical conditions such as insulin-treated diabetes or warfarin use, or MRI contraindications are excluded.
Locations
- UBC Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Mediterranean-style diet. The goal is to see whether a MIND, Mediterranean-style diet can shift the gut microbiome and lower gut and brain inflammation, with the hope that those changes help motor and non-motor symptoms or slow disease-related decline. Participants are randomly assigned to follow the MIND diet, which emphasizes leafy greens, berries, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil while limiting red meat and sweets, to encourage healthier gut bacteria and reduce inflammatory signals; dopaminergic medications like levodopa are kept stable so any effects can be tied to the diet. About 40 people aged 40 to 80 with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's who are cognitively stable, able to attend six visits at UBC and most online sessions in English, and on stable dopaminergic medication are eligible; people with atypical parkinsonism, dementia, recent antibiotic or probiotic use, certain medical conditions such as insulin-treated diabetes or warfarin use, or MRI contraindications are excluded.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 40 Years and 80 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 3 years and 1 month.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.