Investigating early signs of Parkinson's Disease in skin tissues

Early pathogenesis and diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease in peripheral tissues

NIH-funded research Portland VA Medical Center · NIH-11097141

This study is looking at skin samples from veterans to find early signs of Parkinson's Disease, helping us understand the condition better and improve how we diagnose it before it gets worse.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPortland VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11097141 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the early stages of Parkinson's Disease (PD) by examining peripheral skin tissues for pathologic features associated with the disease. It aims to identify subtle symptoms that may occur before a formal diagnosis, particularly in veterans who are at higher risk. By linking these findings to clinical and genetic data, the study seeks to enhance our understanding of PD progression and improve diagnostic methods. The research will involve collecting and analyzing skin biopsies from participants to uncover early indicators of the disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include veterans, particularly older males, who may be experiencing early, non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.

Not a fit: Patients who are not veterans or those who do not exhibit any early symptoms of Parkinson's Disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of Parkinson's Disease, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been limited studies on skin pathology related to Parkinson's Disease, this approach is innovative and aims to fill significant knowledge gaps in the field.

Where this research is happening

Portland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.