Exploring the connection between gut health and Parkinson's disease.
Official title: The Gut Brain Parkinson's Disease Consortium (GBPDC): Coordinating and Data Management Center (CDMC)
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10985486 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with gut health might be an early sign of Parkinson's disease, and it invites patients to help by sharing samples that could lead to new ways to diagnose the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $643,884 |
| NIH project number | 1U24DK140918-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985486 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or those experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms potentially related to PD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not have gastrointestinal symptoms may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how gastrointestinal dysfunction may be an early sign of Parkinson's disease (PD) and aims to develop new diagnostic tools and biomarkers based on gut health. The Gut Brain Parkinson's Disease Consortium will create a biorepository of biological samples to facilitate the identification and validation of these innovative diagnostic methods. By coordinating data management and sharing resources, the project seeks to enhance collaboration among researchers and improve the understanding of PD. Patients may contribute to this effort by providing biological specimens, which will be analyzed to uncover potential links between gut health and PD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of Parkinson's disease through innovative gut-based diagnostic tools.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in exploring the gut-brain connection in various neurological disorders, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wruck, Lisa M — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Wruck, Lisa M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Gut-brain clues in Parkinson’s disease: supplement to a large registry
A plant-wide supplement to an NIH program will enroll people with Parkinson’s, with and without GI symptoms, plus healthy controls, to study how gut function, brain signals, and sleep rhythms relate to Parkinson’s symptoms.
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Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
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Gut-brain communication in Parkinson’s disease for better symptoms and daily life
This project enrolls people with Parkinson’s disease and healthy controls to build a big registry and study how gut function, brain signals, sleep, and circadian rhythms relate to PD symptoms.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: how gut bugs relate to symptoms and progression
A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
-
Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease: biomarkers and procedures to track progression
A patient-focused program to study how gut health and the brain interact in Parkinson’s disease using biomarkers and clinical procedures.
-
Understanding posture and movement in Parkinson’s patients to reduce falls
A study using wearable sensors to track real-world balance and movement in people with Parkinson’s disease to help prevent falls.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.