Understanding how gut health affects brain function in Parkinson's disease

A Consortium for Gut-Brain Communication in Parkinson's Disease

['FUNDING_U01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-10987474

This study is looking at how gut health affects brain function in people with Parkinson's disease, and it's for anyone with Parkinson's, whether they have tummy issues or not, as well as healthy individuals to help us learn more about this connection.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_U01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10987474 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between gut health and brain function in individuals with Parkinson's disease. It involves collecting data from patients with varying stages of Parkinson's, including those with and without gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as healthy controls. Participants will undergo detailed assessments of their Parkinson's symptoms and gastrointestinal function, and some will participate in brain imaging studies to explore how meals affect gut-brain communication. The goal is to better understand how gut motility and brain function are related in Parkinson's disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, regardless of whether they experience gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as age and sex-matched healthy controls.

Not a fit: Patients with Parkinson's disease who are not willing or able to participate in detailed assessments or imaging studies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and management strategies for patients with Parkinson's disease by addressing gut-related symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gut-brain interactions in other neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.