Young Onset Parkinson's Disease: Subtypes and Mechanisms
Official title: Young Onset Parkinson's Disease Subtypes and Pathogenic Mechanisms
Run by NYU Langone Health · NCT07752355 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing whether distinct biological traits and markers exist in people whose Parkinson's starts before age 50, to help understand the disease and improve future trials.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 28, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07752355 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 and older, with young-onset PD (onset ≤50) or late-onset PD (onset >50), plus healthy controls, who consent to skin biopsy (and lumbar puncture for a subset).
✕Probably not a fit
Participants with atypical parkinsonism or autoimmune/chronic inflammatory histories may not derive direct benefit from this observational study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study compares clinical features and biological data from blood, skin biopsies, and, for some participants, lumbar puncture samples among young-onset Parkinson's disease patients, late-onset patients, and healthy controls. Participants provide demographic and clinical information through questionnaires and exams, and give biological samples to identify potential biomarkers and pathogenic pathways. The study includes a single in-person visit per participant at NYU Langone Health, with additional lumbar puncture data for a subset. Findings may inform disease mechanisms and aid in stratifying patients for future therapeutic trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could help identify biomarkers and subtypes of Parkinson's that are specific to younger patients, potentially guiding personalized approaches in future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has explored biomarkers in PD, including subtypes, but this study is specifically focused on young-onset PD and may provide novel insights.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: YOPD cohort: 1. Male or female 18 years or older (inclusive) of any race and ethnicity 2. Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) confirmed by a movement disorder specialist and with an age of onset of less than or equal to the age of 50 years old 3. Willingness to undergo a skin punch biopsy LOPD cohort: 1. Male or female 18 years or older (inclusive) of any race and ethnicity 2. Diagnosis of PD confirmed by a movement disorder specialist and with an age of onset after the age of 50 years Healthy Control cohort: 1. Male or female 18 years or older (inclusive) of any race and ethnicity 2. Never been diagnosed with PD as reported by medical history and as assessed by study PI Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism (i.e. progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, multiple system atrophy) or secondary parkinsonism (i.e. normal pressure hydrocephalus, drug-induced parkinsonism). 2. Clinical history of autoimmune or chronic inflammatory disorder or exposure to chronic immunosuppressant or immunomodulatory medications. 3. Pregnancy 4. Dermatological conditions that would prevent performing skin punch biopsies
Where it's running
-
NYU Langone Health
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Giulietta Riboldi, MD, PhD — NYU Langone Health
- Study coordinator: Mark Belio
- Email: Mark.Belio@nyulangone.org
- Phone: 646-501-4367
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
One-day exercise test to see how brain and body react in epilepsy, cognitive disorders, Parkinson's, dementia, and related conditions
A one-day study tests how an acute bout of exercise changes brain function and bodily signals in people with certain neurological conditions compared with healthy individuals.
-
Tributyrin for PSP: a virtual, early-phase study
This study tests whether tributyrin is safe and tolerable in people with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy who are 45 or older, using virtual visits.
-
A look at why Lewy body conditions cause visual hallucinations
This study tests brain‑imaging in people with Lewy body diseases who do or don’t experience visual hallucinations, and in healthy volunteers, to see how brain networks might create these images.
-
How physical activity might help people with Parkinson’s disease who have DBS-STN implants
This study tests whether adding regular physical activity can help people with Parkinson’s who have DBS-STN stimulation by trying a structured physiotherapy approach alongside standard care.
-
Can hippotherapy improve mobility, gait, balance, and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease?
This pilot trial tests whether adding horse-assisted therapy to standard rehab helps mobility, gait, balance, and perceived health in adults with Parkinson's disease.
-
Gut methane and Parkinson's: measuring if a probiotic helps people with Parkinson's, REM sleep behavior disorder, or cognitive concerns
This study tests whether a probiotic containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri can help people with Parkinson's disease, those at high risk for PD, and related cognitive issues by potentially improving gut methane levels and overall symptoms.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.