Understanding Parkinson's Disease in Black and African American Communities

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

BLAAC PD is an observational study aimed at exploring the genetic factors associated with Parkinson's disease specifically in Black and African American populations. Participants will provide blood or saliva samples, undergo a smell test, and may participate in a physical exam during a single visit at various research centers across the United States. This initiative is part of the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program, which seeks to enhance the understanding of Parkinson's disease genetics and its implications for diverse communities. The findings could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments tailored for Black and African American individuals affected by Parkinson's disease.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria for Control Participants:

* Ability to provide informed consent
* Age 50 years or older
* Self-identify as Black or African American

Exclusion Criteria for Control Participants:

* Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease and/or neurological condition
* Familial history of PD and/or neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions
* Unknown family history of PD and/or neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions
* Any conditions that, in the investigator's opinion, preclude the individual's ability to carry out study activities
* If submitting a saliva sample, nothing by mouth (food, drink, gum, tobacco, or smoking) for 30 minutes prior to sample collection

Inclusion Criteria for Participants with a Diagnosis of PD:

* Ability to provide informed consent
* Age 18 years or older
* Self-identify as Black or African American
* Meet the Movement Disorder Society's clinical diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease

Exclusion Criteria for Participants with a Diagnosis of PD:

\- If submitting a saliva sample, nothing by mouth (food, drink, gum, tobacco, or smoking) for 30 minutes prior to sample collection

Where it's running

• University of Alabama at Birmingham
  Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting
• University of Florida
  Gainesville, Florida, United States Recruiting
• Rush University
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
• University of Chicago
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
• Ochsner Clinic Foundation
  New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Recruiting
• Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport
  Shreveport, Louisiana, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Lana Chahine, MD, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
• Study coordinator: Naomi Louie, MPH RDN
• Email: nlouie@michaeljfox.org
• Phone: 212-509-0995

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.