Understanding how gut health affects Parkinson's disease

The Bidirectional Gut-Microbiota-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s disease: integrating mechanistic biomarkers of disease severity and progression

['FUNDING_U01'] · RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-10986713

This study is looking at how gut health might affect Parkinson's disease and will involve people with the condition to see if changes in gut bacteria can influence how the disease progresses and how severe it is.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_U01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10986713 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between gut health and Parkinson's disease (PD) by examining how disruptions in the Gut-Microbiota-Brain Axis (GMBA) may influence the severity and progression of the disease. The study will involve both cross-sectional and longitudinal assessments over three years, utilizing clinical measures and biological markers to evaluate the relationship between gut microbiota, inflammation, and PD. By analyzing data from existing and newly recruited participants, the research aims to uncover insights into the mechanisms of PD and identify potential new treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, particularly those experiencing varying degrees of disease severity.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or those with unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that improve the management and treatment of Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain connection in various neurological disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for Parkinson's disease as well.

Where this research is happening

CHICAGO, 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.