Parkinson's research gets a boost: 4,500 volunteers help map disease progression
NCT ID NCT04477785
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This observational study, led by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, aims to understand how Parkinson's disease progresses over time. It will follow 4,500 people, including those with Parkinson's, those at risk, and healthy volunteers, collecting clinical, imaging, and genetic data. The goal is to identify markers of progression that can be used in future trials to test treatments that might slow or stop the disease.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could identify reliable markers of Parkinson's progression, enabling more effective clinical trials for treatments that slow the disease.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial, so no direct benefit to participants. Results depend on long-term follow-up and may not translate into immediate therapies.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
-
About 4,500 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jul 2020
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2033
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
In PPMI Clinical up to 4,500 participants will be enrolled and followed longitudinally from approximately 50-55 international clinical sites across a variety of cohorts, including healthy controls, Parkinson disease, PD manifesting gene carriers, and Prodromal (those at risk for developing PD).
- Ages
-
30 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
7.1 Healthy Controls (HC) Note: Active Healthy controls previously enrolled in PPMI do not require re-assessment of eligibility criteria listed below for enrollment in PPMI Clinical. Active participants do need to be able to provide informed consent for PPMI Clinical participation (includes use of a designated research proxy). 7.1.1 Inclusion Criteria (HC) 1. Male or female age 57 years or older at Screening visit. 2. Individuals taking any of the following drugs: alpha methyldopa, methylphenidate, amphetamine derivatives or modafinil, must be willing and medically able to hold the medication for at least 5 half-lives before SPECT imaging. 3. Confirmation that participant is eligible based on Screening SPECT imaging. 4. Able to provide informed consent. 5. Either is male, or is female and meets additional criteria below, as applicable: * Female of childbearing potential who is not pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy during the study and has a negative pregnancy test on day of Screening SPECT imaging test prior to injection of DaTscanTM. 7.1.2 Exclusion Criteria (HC) 1. First degree relative with PD (i.e., biologic parent, sibling, child). 2. Current or active clinically significant neurological disorder (in the opinion of the Investigator). 3. Previously obtained MRI scan with evidence of clinically significant neurological disorder (in the opinion of the Investigator). 4. Received any of the following drugs: dopamine receptor blockers (neuroleptics), metoclopramide and reserpine within 6 months of Screening visit. 5. Current treatment with anticoagulants (e.g., coumadin, heparin, oral thrombin inhibitors) that might preclude safe completion of the lumbar puncture. 6. Condition that precludes the safe performance of routine lumbar puncture, such as prohibitive lumbar spinal disease, bleeding diathesis, or clinically significant coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia. 7. Any other medical or psychiatric condition or lab abnormality, which in the opinion of the investigator might preclude participation. 8. Any other reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, would render the participant unsuitable for study enrollment. 7.2 Parkinson's Disease (PD) Note: Active PD participants previously enrolled in PPMI do not require re-assessment of eligibility criteria listed below for enrollment in PPMI Clinical. Active participants do need to be able to provide informed consent for PPMI Clinical participation (includes use of a designated research proxy). 7.2.1 Inclusion Criteria (PD) 1. Male or female age 30 years or older at Screening Visit. 2. A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease for 2 years or less at Screening Visit. 3. Not expected to require PD medication within at least 6 months from Baseline. 4. Patients must have at least two of the following: resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity (must have either resting tremor or bradykinesia); OR either asymmetric resting tremor or asymmetric bradykinesia. 5. Hoehn and Yahr stage I or II at Baseline. 6. Individuals taking any of the following drugs: alpha methyldopa, methylphenidate, amphetamine derivatives or modafinil, must be willing and medically able to hold the medication for at least 5 half-lives before SPECT imaging. 7. Confirmation that participant is eligible based on Screening SPECT imaging. 8. Able to provide informed consent. 9. Either is male, or is female and meets additional criteria below, as applicable: * Female of childbearing potential who is not pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy during the study and has a negative pregnancy test on day of Screening SPECT imaging test prior to injection of DaTscanTM. 7.2.2 Exclusion Criteria (PD) 1. Currently taking levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, amantadine or another PD medication, except for low-dose treatment of restless leg syndrome (with permission of medical monitor). 2. Has taken levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors or amantadine within 60 days of Baseline visit. 3. Has taken levodopa or dopamine agonists prior to Baseline visit for more than a total of 90 days. 4. Atypical PD syndromes due to either drugs (e.g., metoclopramide, flunarizine, neuroleptics) or metabolic disorders (e.g., Wilson's disease), encephalitis, or degenerative diseases (e.g., progressive supranuclear palsy). 5. A clinical diagnosis of dementia as determined by the investigator. 6. Previously obtained MRI scan with evidence of clinically significant neurological disorder (in the opinion of the Investigator). 7. Received any of the following drugs: dopamine receptor blockers (neuroleptics), metoclopramide and reserpine within 6 months of Screening visit. 8. Current treatment with anticoagulants (e.g., coumadin, heparin, oral thrombin inhibitors) that might preclude safe completion of the lumbar puncture. 9. Condition that precludes the safe performance of routine lumbar puncture, such as prohibitive lumbar spinal disease, bleeding diathesis, or clinically significant coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia. 10. Any other medical or psychiatric condition or lab abnormality, which in the opinion of the investigator might preclude participation. 11. Any other reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, would render the participant unsuitable for study enrollment. 7.3 Parkinson's Disease (PD) with LRRK2 or GBA variant Note: Active PD participants previously enrolled in PPMI do not require re-assessment of eligibility criteria listed below for enrollment in PPMI Clinical. Active participants do need to be able to provide informed consent for PPMI Clinical participation (includes use of a designated research proxy). 7.3.1 Inclusion Criteria (PD ¬- LRRK2 or GBA) 1. Male or female age 30 years or older at Screening Visit. 2. A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease for 2 years or less at Screening Visit. 3. Patients must have at least two of the following: resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity (must have either resting tremor or bradykinesia); OR either asymmetric resting tremor or asymmetric bradykinesia. 4. Hoehn and Yahr stage I or II at Baseline. 5. Confirmation of causative LRRK2 or GBA (willingness to undergo genetic testing as part of genetic screening and be informed of genetic testing results, or approved documentation of prior genetic testing results). 6. Individuals taking any of the following drugs: alpha methyldopa, methylphenidate, amphetamine derivatives or modafinil, must be willing and medically able to hold the medication for at least 5 half-lives before SPECT imaging. 7. Confirmation that participant is eligible based on Screening SPECT imaging. 8. Able to provide informed consent. 9. Either is male, or is female and meets additional criteria below, as applicable: * Female of childbearing potential who is not pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy during the study and has a negative pregnancy test on day of Screening SPECT imaging test prior to injection of DaTscanTM. 7.3.2 Exclusion Criteria (PD - LRRK2 or GBA) 1. Received any of the following drugs: dopamine receptor blockers (neuroleptics), metoclopramide and reserpine within 6 months of Screening visit. 2. Current treatment with anticoagulants (e.g., coumadin, heparin) that might preclude safe completion of the lumbar puncture. 3. Condition that precludes the safe performance of routine lumbar puncture, such as prohibitive lumbar spinal disease, bleeding diathesis, or clinically significant coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia. 4. Any other medical or psychiatric condition or lab abnormality, which in the opinion of the investigator might preclude participation. 5. Any other reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, would render the participant unsuitable for study enrollment. 7.4 Parkinson's Disease (PD) with SNCA or rare genetic variant Note: Active PD participants previously enrolled in PPMI do not require re-assessment of eligibility criteria listed below for enrollment in PPMI clinical. Active participants do need to be able to provide informed consent for PPMI Clinical participation (includes use of a designated research proxy). 7.4.1 Inclusion Criteria (PD - SNCA or rare genetic variant (such as Parkin or Pink1)) 1. Male or female age 30 years or older at Screening Visit. 2. Parkinson's disease diagnosis at Screening Visit. 3. Patients must have at least two of the following: resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity (must have either resting tremor or bradykinesia); OR either asymmetric resting tremor or asymmetric bradykinesia. 4. Hoehn and Yahr stage I, II, or III at Baseline. 5. Confirmation of causative SNCA or rare genetic variant (such as Parkin or Pink1) (willingness to undergo genetic testing as part of genetic screening and be informed of genetic testing results, or approved documentation of prior genetic testing results). 6. Individuals taking any of the following drugs: alpha methyldopa, methylphenidate, amphetamine derivatives or modafinil, must be willing and medically able to hold the medication for at least 5 half-lives before SPECT imaging. 7. Confirmation that participant is eligible based on Screening SPECT imaging. 8. Able to provide informed consent. 9. Either is male, or is female and meets additional criteria below, as applicable: * Female of childbearing potential who is not pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy during the study and has a negative pregnancy test on day of Screening SPECT imaging test prior to injection of DaTscanTM. 7.4.2 Exclusion Criteria (PD - SNCA or rare genetic variant (such as Parkin or Pink1)) 1. Received any of the following drugs: dopamine receptor blockers (neuroleptics), metoclopramide and reserpine within 6 months of Screening visit. 2. Current treatment with anticoagulants (e.g., coumadin, heparin) that might preclude safe completion of the lumbar puncture. 3. Condition that precludes the safe performance of routine lumbar puncture, such as prohibitive lumbar spinal disease, bleeding diathesis, or clinically significant coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia. 4. Any other medical or psychiatric condition or lab abnormality, which in the opinion of the investigator might preclude participation. 5. Any other reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, would render the participant unsuitable for study enrollment. 7.5 Prodromal Note: Active Prodromal participants previously enrolled in PPMI do not require re-assessment of eligibility criteria listed below for enrollment in PPMI Clinical. Active participants do need to be able to provide informed consent for PPMI Clinical participation (includes use of a designated research proxy). The specific predictive eligibility criteria for participants recruited through PPMI Remote to advance to PPMI Clinical will be iteratively optimized based on data collected from these studies. 7.5.1 Inclusion criteria (Prodromal) For Screening: 1. Confirmation that participant is eligible based on centrally determined predictive criteria including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). * For participants in PPMI Remote, referral to the clinical site confirms predictive eligibility. * For participants identified by the clinical site, predictive criteria are based on generalized risk such as first degree biologic relative, known risk of PD including RBD, or known genetic variants associated with PD risk. Additionally, confirmation of UPSIT eligibility during the Screening visit prior to SPECT Imaging. 2. Male or female age 60 years or older (except age 30 years or older for SNCA, or rare genetic variants (such as Parkin or Pink1) participants). 3. Individuals taking any of the following drugs: alpha methyldopa, methylphenidate, amphetamine derivatives or modafinil, must be willing and medically able to hold the medication for at least 5 half-lives before SPECT imaging. 4. Able to provide informed consent. 5. Either is male, or is female and meets additional criteria below, as applicable: • Female of childbearing potential who is not pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy during the study and has a negative pregnancy test on day of Screening SPECT imaging test prior to injection of DaTscanTM. For continuation to Baseline visit and ongoing follow-up: 6. Confirmation that participant is eligible based on \*Screening SPECT imaging. * Screening SPECT Imaging eligibility: Based on the results of the SPECT imaging test, Prodromal participants eligible to continue their participation in PPMI Clinical will be asked to return for their PPMI Clinical baseline visit. Neither the participant nor the site investigator will be made aware of the participant's DAT status during the study. * It is anticipated that approximately 6,000 participants will complete a screening visit to undergo DAT imaging. Approximately 2,000 participants will be eligible to continue their participation in PPMI Clinical (those not eligible to proceed will remain in PPMI Remote, as applicable). * All participants with DAT deficit will be eligible to continue their participation in PPMI Clinical. It is estimated that about 75% of eligible participants will have a DAT deficit (defined by a hybrid of visual assessment and quantitative striatal specific binding analysis). * Some participants without DAT deficit will also be eligible to continue their participation in PPMI Clinical. These participants will be chosen based on DAT binding that is reduced from age expected but it not outside the normal range and/or from individuals with high-risk of PD including RBD, LRRK2, GBA, SNCA, or rare genetic variants (such as Parkin or Pink1) that do not demonstrate DAT deficit. It is estimated that about 25% of eligible participants will not have a DAT deficit. * It is anticipated that approximately 30% of the PPMI Clinical prodromal participants with DAT deficit will phenoconvert to motor parkinsonism during a 3 to 5-year follow-up. 7.5.2 Exclusion Criteria (Prodromal) 1. Clinical diagnosis of PD at screening, other parkinsonism, or dementia. 2. Received any of the following drugs: dopamine receptor blockers (neuroleptics), metoclopramide and reserpine within 6 months of Baseline Visit. 3. Current treatment with anticoagulants (e.g. coumadin, heparin) that might preclude safe completion of the lumbar puncture. 4. Condition that precludes the safe performance of routine lumbar puncture, such as prohibitive lumbar spinal disease, bleeding diathesis, or clinically significant coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia. 5. Any other medical or psychiatric condition or lab abnormality, which in the opinion of the investigator might preclude participation. 6. Currently taking levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, amantadine or another PD medication, except for low-dose treatment of restless leg syndrome (with permission of medical monitor). 7. Has taken levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors or amantadine within 60 days of Baseline visit. except for low-dose treatment of restless leg syndrome (with permission of medical monitor). 8. Any other reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, would render the participant unsuitable for study enrollment.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Parkinson disease are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
-
The places running it
50 sites in 12 countries. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Locations
-
Banner Research Institute
RECRUITINGSun City, Arizona, 85351, United States
-
Barrow Neurological Institute
RECRUITINGPhoenix, Arizona, 85013, United States
-
Baylor College of Medicine
RECRUITINGHouston, Texas, 77030, United States
-
Beth Israel Medical Center
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10003, United States
-
Boston University
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States
-
Cleveland Clinic
RECRUITINGCleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
-
Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health
RECRUITINGLas Vegas, Nevada, 89106, United States
-
Emory University School of Medicine
RECRUITINGAtlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States
-
Foundation for Biomedical Research of the Academy of Athens
RECRUITINGAthens, Athens, 11523, Greece
-
Hospital Clinic de Barcelona
RECRUITINGBarcelona, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
-
Hospital Donostia
RECRUITINGDonostia / San Sebastian, San Sebastian, 20014, Spain
-
Imperial College London
RECRUITINGLondon, W12 0NN, United Kingdom
-
Innsbruck Medical University
RECRUITINGInnsbruck, 6020, Austria
-
Institute For Neurodegenerative Disorders
RECRUITINGNew Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States
-
John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford and Oxford University
RECRUITINGOxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
-
Johns Hopkins University
RECRUITINGBaltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States
-
Keck School of Medicine of USC
RECRUITINGLos Angeles, California, 90033, United States
-
Lagos College of Medicine, University of Lagos
RECRUITINGLagos, Lagos, 121010, Nigeria
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02446, United States
-
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
RECRUITINGScottsdale, Arizona, 85259, United States
-
McGill University
RECRUITINGMontreal, Quebec, H3A2B4, Canada
-
NYU Langone Health
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10017, United States
-
Newcastle University
RECRUITINGNewcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE45PL, United Kingdom
-
Northwestern University
RECRUITINGChicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
-
Oregon Health &Science University
RECRUITINGPortland, Oregon, 97239, United States
-
Paracelsus-Elena Klinik
RECRUITINGKassel, 34128, Germany
-
Parkinson Research Clinic
RECRUITINGLuxembourg, L-1257, Luxembourg
-
Parkinson's Disease& Movement Disorder Center of Boca Raton
RECRUITINGBoca Raton, Florida, 33486, United States
-
Philipps-University of Marburg
RECRUITINGHessen, 35043, Germany
-
Queen Mary University of London
RECRUITINGLondon, Britain, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
-
Radboud University
RECRUITINGNijmegen, Gelderland, 6525 GC, Netherlands
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
-
Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
RECRUITINGTel Aviv, Tel Aviv, 64239, Israel
-
The Ottawa Hospital - Civic Campus
RECRUITINGOttawa, Ontario, K1Y 4E9, Canada
-
Toronto Western Hospital
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada
-
Univ of Washington and VA Puget Sound Health Care System
RECRUITINGSeattle, Washington, 98104, United States
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
RECRUITINGBirmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States
-
University of California San Diego
RECRUITINGLa Jolla, California, 92093-0948, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
-
University of California, San Francisco
RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94115, United States
-
University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Hospital
RECRUITINGCincinnati, Ohio, 45219, United States
-
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
RECRUITINGAurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
-
University of Florida
RECRUITINGGainesville, Florida, 32608, United States
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
RECRUITINGKansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States
-
University of Luebeck
RECRUITINGLübeck, 23562, Germany
-
University of Michigan
RECRUITINGAnn Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
-
University of Pennsylvania
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States
-
University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
-
University of Rochester
RECRUITINGRochester, New York, 14620, United States
-
University of Salerno
RECRUITINGSalerno, Salerno, 84131, Italy
-
University of South Florida
RECRUITINGTampa, Florida, 33606, United States
-
University of Tuebingen
RECRUITINGTübingen, 72076, Germany
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a massive data registry crack the code of Parkinson's and related brain diseases?
- Reading the Brain's signals to predict who benefits from deep brain stimulation
- Giving Parkinson's patients a say may boost their Brain's ability to learn movement
- Brain scans probe why some Parkinson's patients freeze Mid-Step
- Can tango rewire the brain? dance program tested for Parkinson's and dementia
- Can a workout after walking practice help Parkinson's patients learn better?