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Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers

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NW PADRECC Research Activities

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Current Recruiting VA Research Studies

Some links on this page leave the Department of Veterans Affairs website. The VA does not endorse and is not responsible for any content therein.


The Washington State Parkinson's Disease Registry
(VA IRB # 31675)

If you have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or atypical parkinsonism, you are eligible to participate in the Washington State Parkinson's Disease Registry which is directed by Cyrus Zabetian, MD, MS.  This is a research registry which notifies participants about clinical studies in which they may be eligible to participate.  Enrollment occurs by phone and consists of 15 screening questions and an interview about diagnosis, symptoms, medications, and family history.  This usually takes less than 30 minutes.  For information on how to participate, call toll free (888) 365-9901 or visit our website at www.registerparkinsons.org, where you can start the screening process online.

 

Pacific Northwest UDALL Center (PANUC): Clinical Core and Sample Collection
(VA IRB # 2332; OHSU IRB # 6154)

Flyer for PANUC study (PDF format)

Dr. Joseph Quinn is conducting this research study to examine the changes in thinking and memory of Parkinson’s disease patients over time. A second goal is to determine the role genetics plays in cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease. You must have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease to participate in this study.


There are two different groups in this study. The first group is the clinical group. The clinical group involves two visits over five years to the Portland VA Medical Center. At each visit, you will undergo tests of thinking and memory and have a blood draw of about four tablespoons. Each visit will last for about one to one-and-a-half hours.


The second group is the annual group. The annual group involves five visits over five years to the Portland VA Medical Center. At each visit, you will undergo tests of thinking and memory and have a blood draw of about four tablespoons. Each visit will last for about two hours. After the first visit, you will undergo a lumbar puncture. A lumbar puncture is known as a spinal tap. A spinal tap is where a special needle is inserted between bones in your back and fluid is removed. The spinal tap will take about two to two and a half hours. You have the option to undergo a second spinal tap three years after the first spinal tap. You will be compensated $200.00 for each spinal tap that you complete.


This is a research study and not for treatment or diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. You may not benefit from participating this study. However, by serving as a subject, you may help us learn how to benefit patients in the future. For more information on how to participate, please contact Susan O’Connor, RN, Study Coordinator at (503) 721-1091 or by mail at 3710 SW US Veterans Road, Portland, Oregon 97239.

 

The Effects of Vitamin D on Balance in Parkinson’s disease
(VA IRB #: 2393; OHSU eIRB # 6482)

Flyer for Vitamin D study (PDF format)

Dr. Amie Peterson is conducting this research study to examine the effect of vitamin D on balance in Parkinson’s disease patients. This study involves a total of six visits to Oregon Health & Science University and lasts 16 weeks with an additional 8 weeks of follow-up. You must be able to walk 50 feet without the use of a cane or other walking device. You must be over 50, and have no history of renal stones or hypercalcaemia. You must not be taking another type of vitamin D supplement.

You will have tests of your thinking and memory, questionnaires about your balance, neurological examinations, tests of balance and strength, and diaries of near falls and falls. You will be taking calcium supplementation and either vitamin D or a sugar pill for 16 weeks. Neither you nor the study staff will know which pill you will be taking. The first and last visit will last for two hours and the second, third, and fourth visit will last for a half hour. Each visit will occur four weeks after the first visit. You will be compensated $10.00 for each visit you complete for a total of $60.00.

This is a research study and not for treatment or diagnosis of PD. You may not benefit from participating in this study. However, by serving as a subject, you may help us learn how to benefit patients in the future. For more information on how to participate, please contact Brenna Lobb, MS, Study Coordinator, at (503) 220-8262 extension 51871 or by mail at 3710 SW US Veterans Road, Portland, Oregon 97239.

 

Using Multiplex Families to Map Genes that Modify Susceptibility and Age at Onset in Parkinson's
(VA IRB # 2371)

Flyer for Multiplex study (PDF format)

Dr. Kathryn Chung is conducting this research study to identify genes that increase a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) or related disorders. The goal of this study is to better understand and treat PD and other related disorders. If a gene or genes that cause(s) PD can be identified and characterized, the diagnosis and treatment of PD will be improved. The overall goal of this study is to find genes that increase the likelihood of developing Parkinsonian symptoms and certain PD-related problems, such as difficulties with thinking and memory.

You are eligible to participate in this study if you have two or more individuals in your family that are living with Parkinson’s disease. Your family members must also enroll in this study.

This study involves one visit to the Portland VA Medical Center. At this visit, you will undergo a physical examination, questions about your family history, a brief test of thinking and memory and have a blood draw of about four tablespoons. This visit will last for about 2 1/2 hours.

This is a research study and not for treatment or diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. You may not benefit from participating in this study. However, by serving as a subject, you may help us learn how to benefit patients in the future. There is no compensation for participation in this study. For more information on how to participate, please contact Susan O'Connor, RN, Study Coordinator at (503) 220-8262 extension 53262 or by mail at 3710 SW US Veterans Road, P3-PADRECC, Portland, Oregon 97239.

 

Reducing Dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease with Omega 3 Fatty Acids
(VA IRB #2907; OHSU IRB # 8012)

Flyer for Omega 3 Study (PDF format) 

Dr. Kathryn Chung is conducting a research study looking at the safety and effectiveness of Omega 3 Fatty Acids.  The purpose of this research study is to measure the safety (side effects) of an Omega 3 Fatty Acid called docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and measure the dyskinesia (involuntary movements) in Parkinson's disease (PD). 

In order to take part in the study, participants must:  have Parkinson's disease, be about to start levodopa, and be able to stand for one (1) minute unaided. 

This study will last for one and a half (1.5) years and will involve six (6) visits.  The first visit is a screening visit and inlcudes a neurological examination nad completion of several questionnaires.  After the screening visit you will be randomized to either DHA or placebo (sugar pill).  Neither you nor the researchers will know which pill you will be receiving.  The next five (5) visits are overnight stays in the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).  You will be admitted to the OCTRI the evening before study tests begin.  Your usual PD medications will not be given overnight, so that the levodopa cycle may be observed the next day.  You will be studied on a force plate during performance of simple mental task for an entire levodopa cycle the next day.  You will be given intravenous levodopa at these visits.  

You will be compensated $50.00 for each overnight visit you complete for a total of $250.00.  This is a research study and not for treatment or diagnosis of PD.  You may not benefit from participating in this study but will have a no cost neurological exam.  However, by serving as a subject, you may help us learn how to benefit patients in the future.  For more infomration on how to participate, please contact Brenna Lobb, MS MPH, Study Coordinator at (5030 220-8262 extension 51871 or by mail at 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, P3-PADRECC, Portland, Oregon 97239.