Identify genes influencing Parkinson progression
- Trial ID
- NCT06719583
- Official Title
- Black and African Americans Connections to Parkinson's Disease (BLAAC PD) A Project of the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2)
- Goal
- Identify genes influencing Parkinson progression
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
- Study Type
- OBSERVATIONAL
- Enrollment
- 2000 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
Summary For Families
The project aims to find genetic factors that affect Parkinson's risk, symptoms, and progression in Black and African American people, a group that has been underrepresented in Parkinson's research. Participants share clinical information and provide DNA, commonly via a saliva sample, so researchers can look for genetic variants linked to disease features or treatment response; there are no drugs or devices given, and if you give saliva you should avoid food, drink, gum, tobacco, or smoking for 30 minutes beforehand. The study plans to enroll about 2,000 people who self-identify as Black or African American, with Parkinson's participants aged 18 or older who meet Movement Disorder Society diagnostic criteria, and control participants aged 50 or older with no personal or family history of Parkinson's or other neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions, and all must be able to give informed consent.
Locations
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
- Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
- University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Kaiser Permanente Midatlantic States, Rockville, Maryland, United States
- Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, Missouri, United States
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
- University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying an experimental treatment. The project aims to find genetic factors that affect Parkinson's risk, symptoms, and progression in Black and African American people, a group that has been underrepresented in Parkinson's research. Participants share clinical information and provide DNA, commonly via a saliva sample, so researchers can look for genetic variants linked to disease features or treatment response; there are no drugs or devices given, and if you give saliva you should avoid food, drink, gum, tobacco, or smoking for 30 minutes beforehand. The study plans to enroll about 2,000 people who self-identify as Black or African American, with Parkinson's participants aged 18 or older who meet Movement Disorder Society diagnostic criteria, and control participants aged 50 or older with no personal or family history of Parkinson's or other neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions, and all must be able to give informed consent.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be at least 18 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 12 locations.
- 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 7 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.