Biomarkers in PD
Biomarkers in PD
Western Interdisciplinary Research Building (WIRB) & Robarts Research Institute (RRI)
There are no therapies that slow, halt, or reverse (i.e., disease modifying therapies) the progression of Parkinson’s Disease (PD)—the fastest-growing neurological disease in the world. Biomarkers are tests that can be used to diagnose or follow the progression of diseases. The goal of this project is to establish definitive diagnostic tests of PD, where none currently exist, and to objectively measure disease progression using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a widespread tool in medical research and practice. This means PD patients could be diagnosed and treated earlier, even those patients located where they do not have easy, or any, access to PD specialists.
Both male and female
18 years old to 80 years old
Volunteers with Parkinson's Disease
& Healthy Volunteers
Who can participate in this study?
PD Patients
• Diagnosis of PD as per a licensed neurologist
• Treated with dopamine-replacement or dopamine agonist therapy for 3+ months
• Fluent in English
PD+ Patients
• Diagnosis of PD+ as per a licensed neurologist
• Treated with dopamine-replacement or dopamine agonist therapy for 3+ months EXCEPT in the case of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Frontotemporal Disorders (FTD) patients
• Fluent in English
PD Mimics
• Diagnosis of a PD mimic (e.g. essential tremor) as per a licensed neurologist
• Fluent in English
Healthy Controls
• Matched in age, sex and education to a PD patient
• Fluent in English Healthy Volunteers
• Between 18 and 80 years of age
• Not claustrophobic
• No metallic or electronic implants in the body (e.g., aneurysm clips, pacemaker)
• No history of neurological or major psychiatric disorders
• No previous experience of epileptic seizures
• Not taking prescribed medications that make you drowsy
• No volunteers who abuse alcohol, prescription or street drugs
• No volunteers taking Aricept (Donepezil), Reminyl (Galantamine), Exelon (Rivastigmine), or Memantine (Ebixa)
What is involved?
Our study involves completing a battery of questionnaires (clinical, cognitive, and demographic) and then completing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Participation involves two visits over a three-year period, with each visit taking approximately 2-3 hours to complete.
Principal Investigator & Posting Dates
Principal Investigator: Penny MacDonald
Study posted on: February 3rd, 2023
Recruitment open until: April 30th, 2025
Who can I contact to learn more about this study?
Heading 2
test line
