Research Participation
in the Early Years with
Parkinson’s
The first few months and years following a
Parkinson’s diagnosis can be overwhelming.
While processing emotions, wondering where
Parkinson’s disease (PD) may take you and
considering treatment options, you (like many
others) may choose to keep Parkinson’s secret.
It’s no surprise then that few people think about
participating in clinical trials during this time.
With so much to cope with, volunteering for
research may seem like a low priority.
But people within the first few years
of their PD diagnosis are in a unique
position to contribute to research.
Moreover, clinical studies may offer
access to an emerging new treatment,
exposure to top Parkinson’s specialists
and an opportunity to take control of
your health. Early in Parkinson’s, it may
feel as though life has been turned upside
down. Research participation may act as
a compass, helping provide direction.
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Navigating Clinical Trials: A Guide for Parkinson’s Patients and Families
Stopping Parkinson’s
Progression
A disease-modifying therapy — one
that would slow, stop or even reverse PD
progression — would be a great discovery
for people with Parkinson’s. Several
therapies with this potential are in or
close to clinical trials. These medications
have shown in laboratory and population
studies that they may slow progression or