Clinical Trial Participation

Parkinson’s Disease Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are a crucial step in discovering the causes, treatments, and a cure for Parkinson’s. Before drugs can be approved to be used in a patient population they are rigorously reviewed through the mechanism of a clinical trial.

APDA is pleased to maintain this area for your convenient access to basic information on research studies on-going at various movement disorder centers across the country. Although APDA has not individually reviewed or specifically endorsed each study posted here, each has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at its respective medical center.

For further information on any study posted here, please utilize the specific contact information provided with the description of the actual study in which you are interested. As always, consult your physician to discuss the individual benefits and risks of each study prior to participating.

To increase your awareness and connect you with ongoing research and clinical trials visit:

• ClinicalTrials.gov
• Foxtrialfinder.com
• Parkinson-Study-Group.org
• NIH Clinical Trial Finder

Active Clinical Trials

THE TOPAZ STUDY

Did you know?

Patients with Parkinson’s disease or another form of parkinsonism have a higher risk of breaking any bones and are 4 times more likely to have a hip fracture.

Help us find a solution.

The goal of the TOPAZ study is to help people with parkinsonism avoid fractures that can lead to loss of quality of life and physical independence. The TOPAZ study will test if an FDA-approved medicine called zoledronate can prevent fractures. Using zoledronate for this purpose is investigational.

What is involved?

This is a virtual study and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Vitamin D will be mailed to you and a nurse will visit you at home for a one-time intravenous (I.V.) infusion of zoledronate or a placebo.

You can join if you:

• Are 60 years or older
• Have not had a hip fracture
• Have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions:
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Dementia with Lewy bodies
  • Multiple system atrophy
  • Progressive supranuclear palsy
  • Cortical basal degeneration
  • Vascular parkinsonism

To learn more, please visit TOPAZstudy.org, or call us at (415) 317-5748.

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SPARX3

Study in PD of Exercise (Dr. Daniel Corcos,PI)
Enrollment is now open.
A new Phase 3 multi-site clinical research trial from Northwestern Medicine will test if high-intensity treadmill exercise is effective in decreasing the signs of Parkinson’s disease in individuals who have not initiated medication for Parkinson’s. There are 29 sites (27 in U.S. and 2 in Canada) including Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA, the first HBCU-based site. This study is funded by NINDS.

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Rainbows of Aging

The Rainbows of Aging research team, led by Dr. Jason Flatt at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is recruiting LGBTQIA+ caregivers of people experiencing memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or others causes of dementia, and LGBTQIA+ people experiencing these issues. This research is intended to learn about the needs and challenges of the LGBTQIA+ community and guide future efforts. 
There are three research opportunities:

1. Parkinson’s Research with Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (“PRIDE”) focuses on understanding the health and health care needs of the LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ communities living with Parkinson’s disease.
   • What are they asking participants to do?
     They are asking people living with Parkinson’s and those who help with their care to complete a 45-minute survey over the phone. Participants receive a $25 electronic Visa card for completing the survey. Call  1-888-709-7689 to enroll or learn more.
2. Research Inclusion Supports Equity (“RISE”) – the first federally funded research registry for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The RISE research registry strives to create a network in research of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (such as from Parkinson’s disease) for the LGBTQIA+ community through community-focused, inclusive approaches to research engagement, recruitment, and support of caregivers and people living with memory loss. For more information please visit: https://www.theriseregistry.org/
   • What are they asking participants to do?
     Participate in a 45-75 minute focus group interview for which they will be compensated $25 for their time. Call 833-966-6974 for more information.
3. Stonewall Generations Study – This project is actively recruiting diverse LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ older adults aged 50+. This study will help them to better understand memory and thinking concerns, as well as health and social needs of the community.
   • What are they asking participants to do?
     Complete a ~45 minute phone interview with a member of the research team to receive $25 compensation. Call 833-966-6974 for more information.

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Young Onset Parkison’s Disease Survey

Study closing soon. Act quickly if you are interested in participating
The Russell Sage College Occupational Therapy Program is conducting a research study  to determine the disease impact of Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) in areas of motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms, quality of life, and life roles. This research has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at Russell Sage College. The purpose of this research is to inform the interventions to create an online symptom management guide, and to inform clinicians of common needs.
For the purpose of this survey, YOPD is considered receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis prior to age 60. Potential participants will  be asked to participate in a research project entitled An Exploration of Functional Impact in Individuals with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. The study is anonymous, and data will be maintained at Russell Sage College in a secure, central location for storage of de-identified and confidential survey data that may be extracted for future research purposes/use. There is minimal risk for breach of confidentiality when participating in the survey.
For more information, visit the project website
Click here to take the survey.

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Staying Connected Through Communication Study

This study, conducted by University of Washington, is  seeking participants with Parkinson’s disease who have experienced changes in speech or voice to answer survey questions about their communication experiences. Your participation will help healthcare providers support people with PD and the important people in their lives to stay connected through communication. The surveys will take about 30-45 minutes to complete. You can complete the surveys online or they can mail you a paper copy.
They also require participants to have at least one family member, friend, or coworker to answer survey questions. They will complete SEPARATE surveys about their communication experiences. Their surveys will take 20-30 minutes. Data will NOT be shared between participating people.
Each participant will be mailed a $25 check upon survey completion. 
Click Begin Survey to participate: https://sites.uw.edu/speaclab/staying-connected-study/pd/
The person with Parkinson’s disease needs to start first and then nominate their family member or friend to participate.

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UC San Diego School of Medicine: Caregiver Study

UC San Diego is working on a national research project that is seeking participants caring for family members with Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body dementia, or any other type of dementia. This internet-based study aims to help address the stressors that come with being a caregiver and teach coping skills that may reduce that stress and/or improve emotional well-being. Study participants get access to specialized web-programs, monetary compensation, support calls and more. See flyer for more information. Contact 858-534-9479 for details and to see if you qualify.

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Shirley Ryan Ability Lab – Rehabilitation Care for Parkinson’s Disease Research Study Survey

Researchers at the Shirly Ryan Ability Lab are conducting a new research survey to address diversity in rehabilitation services for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. The study is led by APDA-funded researcher Dr. Jennifer G. Goldman at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab/Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in partnership with the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.
This research study aims to collect input on rehabilitative care priorities, sources of community and support, and challenges in accessing care or support for people with Parkinson’s disease. In particular, it focuses on the needs of Black and African American people with Parkinson’s disease, though individuals of all racial and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to participate.
The study is currently recruiting people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners to complete an online, anonymous survey, which you can access here.