What we are studying

Genetic testing, which involves a simple blood draw, is a type of medical test that identifies changes, or mutations, in genes. Some of these mutations may increase the chances of developing a particular disease or predict responses to specific disease interventions. For people with Parkinson’s disease, genetic testing can let us know if you carry mutations linked to the disease. It’s estimated that 10-15% of patients have a genetic form of the disease, so by better understanding how these people experience symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease and respond to medicine, scientists can begin to build the foundation for precision medicine in Parkinson’s.

Why it is important

Genetics can be a powerful tool used to help us uncover key mechanisms
responsible for slowing or stopping the progression of Parkinson's disease
(PD), ultimately improving care and speeding development of new
treatments.

What we hope to accomplish

1. Empower people with Parkinson's: Providing genetic data within a
clinical setting will allow people with PD to better manage their
disease and potentially improve their quality of life. Genetic data offer
insights into disease progression and symptom severity that may
potentially influence clinical care and treatment decisions. 

2. Improve Parkinson's care and research: This study will provide
clinicians and researchers with new tools, knowledge and therapy
options for people with PD. This study will link genetic tracking with
data from the largest-ever clinical study of Parkinson's — the
Parkinson's Outcomes Project.

3. Accelerate clinical trials for Parkinson's: Current genetic clinical trials
may stall or fail because most people with Parkinson's and their
clinicians do not know their genetic status. The Foundation will provide
genetic testing and counseling to help accelerate clinical trial
enrollment.