Fox Investigation for New Discovery of Biomarkers (BioFIND)

The purpose of this observational study is to identify one or more biomarkers of Parkinson disease. The discovery of a biomarker is critical to the development of new and improved treatments for Parkinson disease, particularly treatments that could slow or stop the progression of the disease, something not currently available. This study aims to identify new biomarker candidates. A biomarker is a substance or characteristic in our bodies that is associated with the presence of disease, or that changes over time in a way that can be linked to the progression of disease. The study plans to enroll 240 subjects (120 PD patients/120 controls study-wide) with 48 (24 PD subjects/24 healthy controls) at Rush. Each subject for this study will visit the site twice in a two-week period. At the first visit, individuals will have several clinical assessments and take written surveys. The second visit will include a smaller number of clinical tests, as well as sample collection, including a blood draw and a lumbar puncture.

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:

•  Have had PD for at least five years and for no more than 15 years (or to be a control you must not have a first-degree blood relative (parent, child or sibling) with PD.
• Are between 55 and 85 years of age.
• Are able to provide written consent
• Are willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, required study procedures and laboratory tests

This is a partial list of eligibility requirements. To inquire about your eligibility, please call the contact number provided. If you wish to inquire via email, please include the title of the study in your message.