Parkinson's Disease

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that happens when certain nerve cells in the brain stop working properly and slowly die over time. These cells help make a chemical called dopamine, which the brain uses to control movement and coordination. Without enough dopamine, a person may start to move more slowly, feel stiff, or have shaking in their hands or other parts of the body. Parkinson’s can also cause problems that aren’t about movement, like trouble sleeping, changes in mood, memory problems, or trouble with balance. It develops slowly and can affect people in different ways. While there are treatments that help with symptoms—like medicines or special brain surgery—there is currently no cure, so scientists are working hard to find ways to stop or slow down the disease. For this research study, we are looking for people who have early Parkinson’s disease and have not yet started taking any Parkinson’s medications.

Common Symptoms of early Parkinson’s Disease:

• Motor Symptoms
  • Slow Movement
  • Tremor
  • Involuntary Movement
  • Rigidity
  • Trouble Walking
  • Imbalance
• Non-motor Symptoms:
  • Cognitive Impairment
  • Mental Health Disorders
  • Dementia
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Pain
  • Sensory Disturbances

Clinical Study Participation

Northwest Clinical Research Center is looking for adults between 40 and 85 years old with early Parkinson’s symptoms who have not started a medication regimen to participate in a clinical research study. This study is testing oral medications to monitor improvement in motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

Duration

• 15 months

No Cost Study

There is no cost to participate in the study, and the study participant will receive the following:

• Medical evaluation.
• Imaging such as MRI and DaTSPECT for confirmation of Parkinson’s Disease.
• Investigational Medication.
• Study Related Medical Care.
• Compensation available.
• Complimentary transportation or a travel stipend.