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NEWS YOU CAN USE!
Progress in treating Parkinson’s disease (PD) depends on clinical trials, and the success of clinical trials depends on people like you who volunteer to enroll in a trial. In this fact sheet, you will learn about clinical trials, what they can offer you, and how you can learn more.

By participating in a clinical trial, you are helping to improve the understanding of the disease and the best way to treat it. All of the advances in treating people with PD have come about through clinical trials. Participation in any trial is voluntary, and should only be undertaken with a full understanding of risks and potential benefits.

Click here to read more about questions to ask before participating.
What are dopamine receptor agonists? These medicines constitute a class of drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms that mimic the action of naturally occurring dopamine. Although this class of medication is less potent than levodopa, they can be very beneficial in treating symptoms for long periods of time.

Click here to read more about the four dopamine agonists and what are the side effects.
Washington University Seeking Participants for Brain Inflammation Study
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are doing a study to understand how symptoms in people with Parkinson Disease (PD) relate to inflammation in the brain. Our team suspects that small amounts of inflammation in the brain may contribute to both the physical and cognitive problems that often accompany PD.

We need two types of participants:

  • People 50 years or older who have been diagnosed with Parkinson Disease. Click here for more information for PD participants.

  • Healthy individuals without Parkinson Disease or other neurologic illness, Click here for more information for control participants.

If you join the study, you’ll go through a 60-minute MRI scan, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), a short clinical check by a movement disorders specialist, and a 90-minute cognitive test. This is typically scheduled as a one-time visit, which lasts about 7 hours. For your time, you’ll receive $200 and a free lunch. Transportation may be provided upon request.

Contact information: Brooke Watkins, Research Coordinator, at 314-747-3083 or nil-pdinflammation@email.wustl.edu.
Phone: (636)778-3377 Email: apdamo@apdaparkinson.org
Office Hours:
Mondays - by appointment only
Tuesday through Friday - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday - closed