Investigating early signs and risk factors for Parkinson's disease
Biomarkers and Risk Factors for Prodromal Parkinson's Disease and its Progression
This study is looking at the early signs of Parkinson's disease to help understand how it develops, and it's for people who might be experiencing these early symptoms; participants will take some tests and surveys to help researchers find ways to prevent the disease in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11059852 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying the early features and natural history of prodromal Parkinson's disease (PPD), which is the stage before the full onset of Parkinson's disease. By leveraging extensive data from large cohorts of individuals, the study aims to monitor the progression of early symptoms and identify biomarkers that could indicate the likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease. Participants will undergo various assessments, including olfactory tests and surveys, to gather comprehensive data on their health and symptoms over time. The goal is to enhance understanding of PPD and lay the groundwork for future prevention trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who may exhibit early signs of Parkinson's disease, such as REM sleep behavior disorder or constipation.
Not a fit: Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced Parkinson's disease or do not exhibit any prodromal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and potential prevention strategies for Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in identifying early biomarkers for Parkinson's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ascherio, Alberto — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Ascherio, Alberto
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 below.