Key Takeaways
Research Participation
throughout Your
Parkinson’s Journey
Science needs a broad range of research
participants — not only women and men of
diverse races and ethnicities, but also people
at every stage of Parkinson’s. No matter your
personal experience with Parkinson’s, there is a
way to contribute to greater understanding and
improved treatment of this disease.
+ + There are hundreds of studies
addressing the many aspects of
Parkinson’s disease. No matter what
your situation or level of comfort
with research, there is likely a trial
or study for you. You can take part in
interventional trials or observational
studies, volunteer in person or online,
contribute one time or over many years.
+ + Different kinds of trials or studies
may be right for you at different
times in your Parkinson’s journey.
Some types of studies may be more
relevant or easier at different points in
disease: disease modifying in early-
stage Parkinson’s, symptomatic later
in disease course or online studies if
travel is difficult.
+ + Consider your care partner’s
contribution. Talk it over before
joining a trial or study. Volunteering
for research can take time and effort
from loved ones, and they may need
to be involved in some studies. This
is especially true if Parkinson’s moves
into moderate and advancing phases.
Chapter 2 — Research Participation throughout Your Parkinson’s Journey
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