Be part of these LGBTQ+ aging research opportunities
You may qualify to be a part of new studies into Parkinson’s Disease, whether you have or do not have the disease. Help contribute to two different initiatives here.
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremor, muscular rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement, chiefly affecting middle-aged and elderly people. Parkinson disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease of older adulthood. More research needs to be done to develop better ways to treat it. Here are two initiatives:
Research Title: The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)
Organization: The Michael J Fox Foundation
Study Purpose: This study aims to better understand how Parkinson’s disease (PD) starts and changes over time. The study follows groups of people, including those both with and without Parkinson’s disease. The information from this study could transform how we diagnose, treat, and potentially prevent PD.
Website to participate in the study: https://ppmi.study.myachievement.com/ppmistudy/
Target Population: The study has two parts with different requirements: an online and clinical component.
To join PPMI’s online component, participants must be 18 years of age or older.
To join PPMI’s clinical component:
Individuals who are at least 60 years must be:
- First-degree family members (parent, child, sibling) of a person with Parkinson’s OR
- People who have risk factors for the development of PD (known genetic mutation, loss of smell, history of physically acting out dreams during sleep, and others)
Individuals who are at least 30 years old must be:
- People with Parkinson’s who have been diagnosed within the last two years and are not currently taking standard PD medications OR
- People without Parkinson’s and no known risk.
Research incentives/Benefits: There is no direct monetary benefit to you or others, however, your participation will help us understand how PD develops and changes over time. You will be compensated for your time and travel if you are eligible for the parts of the study that require it. Any findings from PPMI may aid in the development of new treatments, and potentially, cures.
Estimated Time Commitment: The time commitment ranges depending on whether it is the online or clinical part of the study.
Primary Contact: Maddie Kutler
To participate, email: mkutler@michaeljfox.org
Recruitment begins: 8/17/2022
Recruitment Ends: 12/31/2023
Research Title: Parkinson’s Research with Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity
Organization: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
Study Purpose: This study is focused on understanding the health and healthcare needs of the LGBTQIA+ population living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. The study consists of a 45min phone survey with people with Parkinson’s and a 45min survey for their caregivers. All surveys/interviews will be conducted over the phone.
Website to participate in the study: N/A
Target Population: This is a national study available to the following individuals, 18 years or older living in the United States:
- LGBTQIA+ participants living with Parkinson’s
- Caregivers of LGBTQIA+ participants living with Parkinson’s
Research incentives/Benefits: All participants who complete the survey will receive a $25 Visa gift card.
If selected, twenty-five caregivers of people living with Parkinson’s disease who complete a one-on-one interview will receive an additional $25 Visa gift card.
Estimated Time Commitment: Minimum of ~45-60min for the phone survey; an additional 1 hour for caregivers selected for an interview
Primary Contact: Jason Flatt
To participate, email: jason.flatt@unlv.edu
Recruitment begins: 08/01/2022
Recruitment Ends: 01/01/2024
