Spring / Summer 2023 | Research 11 in MJFF ’ s Parkinson ’ s Progression Markers Initiative ( PPMI ) study . “ I feel the need to contribute and help with the process if I can ,” he says . “ That ’ s how you ’ re going to understand what the signs and indicators are , by tracking people .”
MJFF supports multiple efforts to expand research cohorts into underrepresented populations , with the goal of improving our grasp on PD across the spectrum of genetic backgrounds and enabling the development of better treatments . Here are just a few of the ways we are striving to do this :
Understanding Parkinson ’ s Genetics in Black and African-American Populations
MJFF is assisting with Black and African American Connections to Parkinson ’ s Disease ( BLAAC PD ), a study of the Global Parkinson ’ s Genetics Program ( GP2 ), to better understand the role genes play in the development and progression of PD . In February , the study expanded to six sites across the United States . Data from BLAAC PD will be used to compare genomic data between people of different populations in order to identify overlapping genetic traits related to PD , and develop targeted therapies that will be better suited for Black and African-American populations .
Supporting Research for Veterans with PD
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the U . S . Department of Veterans Affairs ( VA ), GP2 , with the help of MJFF , is building a diverse cohort through the Veterans Parkinson ’ s Disease Genetics Initiative ( VET-PD ). Nonwhite veterans are expected to make up nearly 40 percent of the overall U . S . veteran population by 2045 . VET-PD will assemble
“ If everyone in a study is white , then you only know the outcomes for a white population . But are those same outcomes true for people of color ?”
— Allen Dance
2,150 veteran participants from 22 VA sites over the next two years . Sites will enroll white and non-white participants at a 1:1 ratio , ensuring the study captures a wide swath of the veteran population .
Ambitious Program Expands Research to 58 Sites Globally
With Aligning Science Across Parkinson ’ s , an initiative dedicated to creating a more open , collaborative scientific community , MJFF works to expand data sets for international research efforts as part of GP2 . With data now on 136 cohorts from 58 locations across the globe , GP2 has collected , genotyped and made available to researchers nearly 15,000 samples .
To learn more about our landmark study , the Parkinson ’ s Progression Markers Initiative , and learn how you can help change how Parkinson ’ s is diagnosed , treated and potentially prevented , go to michaeljfox . org / ppmi-path .