Clinical Trial Participation

Clinical Trial Participation

Clinical trials are an important step in discovering the causes, treatments and ultimately 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
• Sage Therapeutics sponsored trial for Parkinson’s Disease Mild Cognitive Impairment (PD-MCI): Research study for adults ages 50 to 75 years old who have been diagnosed with PD-MCI. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of an investigational medication. Participants must have a confirmed diagnosis of PD-MCI and have a study partner who is reliable, competent, at least 18 years of age, and willing to be available to the study center by phone.  The study is currently enrolling at the following sites:
  • Long Beach, CA – Collaborative Neuroscience Network – Long Beach
  • Fort Myers, FL – Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida
  • Port Charlotte, FL – Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Center of Southwest Florida
  • West Palm Beach, FL – Palm Beach Neurology and Premiere Research Institute

  For additional information on the PARADIGM STUDY, please visit the trial listing on clinicaltrials.gov or contact clinicaltrialsinquiry@sagerx.com.

• APDA-sponsored trial for Telehealth Treatment for Depression in Parkinson’s Disease: Research study investigating the effect of telehealth treatment for depression in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The treatment (cognitive behavioral therapy) may reduce depression and increase quality of life. Participants will receive treatment at no cost in the comfort of their own home, over secure videoconference. Participants must have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and be currently experiencing symptoms of depression. For more information, please contact the Vision & Cognition Laboratory at 617-353-6476.
• NIH study #17-N-0076 Parkinson’s Disease Research Study in Bethesda, MD: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland seeks volunteers with Parkinson’s disease to be part of a clinical research study about whether N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) has a particular effect on brain chemistry in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Researchers are evaluating whether NAC can protect the nerve cells in the brain that control movement. For more information: Call: 1-800-411-1222 (TTY 1-866-411-1010)

• NIH-Sponsored Clinical Trial for Multiple System Atrophy: The NYU Dysautonomia Center is testing whether sirolimus is of sufficient promise to slow the progression of multiple system atrophy (MSA).
• Massachusetts General Hospital evaluating a new cognitive test for people with neurologic conditions: Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are looking to determine whether their new scale for detecting Cerebellar Cognitive and Affective Syndrome (CCAS) can distinguish between patients with cerebellar disorders and those with other neurodegenerative conditions, like Parkinson’s disease. Looking for people over the age of 18 with Parkinson’s Disease. Participation is via a digital Zoom call to you at home from researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital.  Please visit their research page, or contact Brigitte Jacoby at 860-841-0598 or bjacoby@mgh.harvard.edu to learn more or set up an appointment.

WEBINAR: Parkinson’s Disease Spotlight On Clinical Trials

Here is an overview of the APDA webinar on Parkinson’s clinical trials, hosted on 2.9.16, including why clinical trials are vital to Parkinson’s research and how to participate.

Watch Webinar