There are many ways to participate in clinical trials, and you can get involved in a few that are looking for volunteers with and without Parkinson’s right now!
1. The Australian Parkinson’s Genetics Study (APGS): volunteers with & without Parkinson’s needed
APGS is a nationwide research study run by the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane and funded by the Shake It Up Australia Foundation (SIUAF) and The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF).
The APGS aims to recruit thousands of participants with and without Parkinson’s disease to help scientists crack the code of Parkinson’s disease. This will enable us to search for the genes behind the disease and compare environmental and genetic differences between people who have Parkinson’s and those who do not. Better understanding the genetic basis of Parkinson’s is essential to accelerate the discovery of new drug therapies to prevent, slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s Disease. Participation is easy and can be done from the comfort of your home. It involves a ~25 minute online (or paper-based) questionnaire and providing a saliva sample using a kit sent via traditional post. Ethics approval (QIMR Berghofer Human Research Ethics Committee P3711).
Register here: https://www.qimrb.edu.au/studies/apgs
2. RMIT, Melbourne: Volunteers with Parkinson’s needed to participate in a study on Computerised assessment and monitoring of Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
Are you over 18 years of age, have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Parkinson’s and are currently under the care of a specialist? If your answer is yes and you can get to The Biosignals Lab at RMIT University in Melbourne, you are eligible to participate in this study. What’s involved? We will invite you to attend a workshop at a convenient time. During the event, we will invite you to complete three tasks involving handwriting, voice and performing facial expressions using a portable computer or smartphone. We will also ask you to share relevant health information. Finally, we request that you complete a short survey on your opinion of the computerised tests. All your data will be securely stored and private. The workshop will last around 1 hour. Refreshments will be provided. If you are interested in attending, please contact The Biosignals Lab biosignalslab@rmit.edu.au or on (03) 9925 1954. Ethics approval (RMIT HREC ID 27000).
3. UniSA, Adelaide: People without Parkinson’s aged 30 to 80 needed
Researchers are inviting healthy adults aged 30 to 80 to participate in a research study about the relationship between an imaging marker of PD and body function. The study involved questionnaires and non-invasive, safe, and painless tests of body function. All participants will be asked to complete an online questionnaire and an appointment at the University of South Australia (approx 2-2.5 hours in duration). Some participants will be asked to complete a neurological examination at Neurology SA in Blackwood on a different day (approx 30 minutes in duration). Eligible participants will be reimbursed $30-$50 via generic gift voucher for their time depending on the number of appointments attended. Ethics approval University of South Australia Human Research Ethics Committee (protocol no. 206838).
Download the Participant Information Sheet Pdf on the trial a full description about the questionnaires and tests involved. For more information and to apply, please contact Elio Arruzza on Elio.Arruzza@unisa.edu.au (08) 8302 1241
4. Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Macquarie University and the University of Sydney seek people with Parkinson’s aged 25 to 80
The trial will evaluate two potential treatments, alone and in combination, for their ability to protect against the cellular changes that occur in Parkinson’s disease. One medication is currently used to clear congestion in the treatment of respiratory diseases, and the other is an antibiotic widely used to treat infections. Research participants will receive one of three possible treatments, or a placebo, while they continue their usual Parkinson’s medication. The APM002 trial will recruit 240 participants across eight sites around Australia (in NSW, VIC, QLD and SA), who are aged 25 to 80, have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and have been on stable treatment for at least four weeks. For more information or to express your interest, please email: info@theapm.org.au
This study is supported by the Medical Research Future Fund and has been approved by the Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee (2023-02-126).
More info here: https://www.garvan.org.au/news-resources/news/recruiting-now-clinical-trial-to-slow-parkinson-s-disease
5. TONiC Study: Understanding Parkinson’s Through Genetics and Quality of Life
The Perron Institute is actively seeking support for the TONiC Study — Trajectories of Outcomes in Neurological Conditions. This important research focuses on understanding why Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects individuals so differently, by examining both genetic factors and quality of life.
Their aim is to uncover the genetic markers and personal experiences that influence the progression of Parkinson’s. By doing so, they hope to pave the way for more personalised treatments, early interventions, and improved care models.
Download Poster, Patient Information Sheet or Register Now: https://www.perroninstitute.org/clinics/clinical-trials/tonic-parkinsons/
6. Don’t forget to register for our nationwide Patient Activation Measure (PAM) study
More on clinical trials.
