Understanding Parkinson's Disease in Black and African American Communities
Black and African Americans Connections to Parkinson's Disease (BLAAC PD) A Project of the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2)
This study is trying to learn more about the genetic factors of Parkinson's disease in Black and African American communities to help improve diagnosis and treatment for those affected.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 2000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research Academic / other |
| Locations | 12 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 11 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06719583 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include Black or African American individuals aged 18 years or older, either diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or without any neurological conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Black or African American or those with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or other neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and treatment options for Parkinson's disease in Black and African American patients.
How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored genetic factors in Parkinson's disease, this specific focus on Black and African American populations is novel and addresses a significant gap in existing research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama and 11 other locations
- 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)
- University of Maryland — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- Kaiser Permanente Midatlantic States — Rockville, Maryland, United States (Active_not_recruiting)
- Washington University in St. Louis — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center — Cleveland, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston — Houston, Texas, 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.