SPEED RESEARCH
Research
What to Ask before Enrolling in a Research Study
Photo by Sam Ogden
Clinical trials are the last step in a very long journey to getting new treatments approved. Yet 85 percent of all trials face delays and 30 percent never get off the ground due to a lack of volunteers. Participating in clinical research can help scientists learn about Parkinson’ s disease and accelerate the development of new therapies.
While clinical studies may benefit participants and the greater Parkinson’ s community, they also pose potential risks. It’ s important to carefully consider both the benefits and risks and to discuss research participation with your doctors, the study team and your loved ones before deciding to enroll in a trial.
Here are sample questions potential volunteers should ask a trial team when evaluating a study, whether or not you’ ve taken part in a trial previously.
QUESTIONS FOR THE STUDY TEAM
What is the purpose of this study? How might my participation help the Parkinson’ s community?
What types of information will you be collecting?
How long will the study last?
What are the potential benefits of this study?
What are the potential risks?
Will I need to stop taking my medication or change my dosage?
What types of side effects might I experience during this trial?
Will my health information be kept confidential and safe?
Learn more ways to get involved in a clinical trial at michaeljfox. org / clinicaltrials.
HELP ADVANCE RESEARCH, ONE“ MATCH” AT A TIME
6 The Fox Focus
SPEED RESEARCH
Looking for the right clinical trial to get involved with research? Fox Trial Finder is our online matching tool that lets you search for Parkinson’ s studies recruiting worldwide. Anyone, including those without PD, can participate to help accelerate research. Enroll now at foxtrialfinder. org.