The insights that we ’ re gaining through Parkinson ’ s research should be very translatable above and beyond Parkinson ’ s .
You Have a Role in Brain Health Research
You may be surprised to learn that you can play a role in brain research . Research participants without disease are known as “ control volunteers .” They can help scientists learn more about how the brain works , how to keep it healthy , and how to treat and prevent disease .
The insights that we ’ re gaining through Parkinson ’ s research should be very translatable above and beyond Parkinson ’ s .
William Marks , MD , MS , Head of Clinical Science and Neurology at Verily Life Sciences
Volunteers often say that joining a study allows them to be in control of their health journey , give to others by fueling progress toward new treatments and cures , or support a loved one with disease .
Many ongoing studies are evaluating brain health and disease . Some test treatments to prevent disease , lessen symptoms or stop changes from happening over time . Others follow people for years to see how the brain and body change with both age and disease .
The Parkinson ’ s Progression Markers Initiative ( PPMI ) study , for example , gathers data and experiences of people with and without PD to learn how and why disease comes on from the earliest stages . It also promotes broader knowledge of brain health and other brain diseases .
Read more on page 51 and 54 .
“ The insights that we ’ re gaining through Parkinson ’ s research should be very translatable above and beyond Parkinson ’ s ,” says William Marks , MD , MS , Head of Clinical Science and Neurology at Verily Life Sciences . He continues , “ In many ways , participants in the Parkinson ’ s Progression Markers Initiative and in other Parkinson ’ s studies are contributing way beyond just the understanding of Parkinson ’ s disease itself .”
There are many opportunities to participate in research . You can share your experiences and health data by filling out online questionnaires or by visiting a research site in-person . Or you can test a new treatment . Some studies require only one questionnaire or visit ; others ask you to come back every few months . There ’ s a study for every schedule and comfort level .
Learn more about research participation at michaeljfox . org / participate .
Better Brain Health | Section 01 — Caring for Your Brain at Any Age 15