Research is a vital part of the mission of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Care at Rush. Our research program is dedicated to finding new ways to treat Parkinson's disease, slow its progression and find a cure.
How You Can Help
From participating in clinical trials to supporting our research through donations, we need help from you and your loved ones to further our research mission.
Participate in Clinical Trials
If you are interested in participating in clinical trials for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, see the ongoing trials available at Rush. For more information about our research programs, call (312) 563-2900 and press 4.
Benefits of Participating in Clinical Trials
- Physical improvements: You will have access to new treatments that are not yet available to the public. These new treatments may help improve your symptoms, function and quality of life.
- Emotional fulfillment: Being involved in studies can give you a sense of control and empowerment over your disease.
- Contributing to the greater good: You will be actively involved in making a difference in the future of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders by playing a role in getting closer to a cure.
What We Study
- Epidemiology: Studying who gets Parkinson's and other movement disorders in the hope of identifying factors that may prevent the disease.
- Features of the disease: Studying characteristics of the disease to increase our understanding of the disease itself or its affect on physical and emotional health.
- Protective therapies: Studying new drugs or surgical approaches to help slow or stop the degenerative brain processes.
- Novel symptomatic therapies: Studying new drugs or procedures that help control the symptoms of degenerative brain processes, while not directly treating the degenerative process itself.
Participating in a Study
- Criteria: Each research study has clearly defined requirements, which may include the following:
- Age
- Gender
- Ethnic background
- Exposure to certain medications
- Nature and severity of the disease
- Education about the study: Patients who appear to be good candidates for a study are educated about the study and further screened for eligibility. Patients receive a subject information sheet that contains important information on the study and its potential risks and benefits.
- Screening visit: At a screening visit, you can ask questions about the study, and researchers make the final determination on whether or not you meet the necessary selection criteria.
- Consent: If selected, you will sign consent forms agreeing to comply with the study requirements.
- Participation in the study: Your participation will vary depending on the study and may include the following:
- Taking experimental medications
- Having an experimental surgical procedure
- Doing pencil-and-paper tests
- Getting evaluated for movement speed and accuracy
- Undergoing screening with blood tests, spinal tap, videotape examinations or other tests
Support Our Research
Proper funding allows us to move forward with groundbreaking research. We look to our patients, families and friends to be donors in partnership. This partnership allows researchers at Rush to conduct innovative research to advance the understanding and treatment of Parkinson's disease.
How to Donate
Support brain health via our secure donation form or mail a check made out to “RUSH University Medical Center” to the following address:
RUSH Office of Philanthropy
28057 Network Place
Chicago, IL 60673-1280