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. University of Newcastle AI in healthcare practice.
This project that seeks to explore consumers’ perspectives on the current use of AI in healthcare practice, their AI education and training needs, and their level of comfort with the development and implementation of AI in healthcare. More here.
Research objectives
- To explore consumers’ perspectives on their level of comfort regarding the use of their personal health information for the development of AI tools.
- To explore consumers’ perspectives on clinical practice (i.e. their care and treatment) being informed by AI.
- To explore consumers’ perspectives on the education required to enable informed decision-making about the use of personal health information in AI‑supported healthcare.
- We are particularly interested in hearing from consumers with a history of ongoing or intensive healthcare engagement, such as people living with chronic health conditions.
Interviews can be conducted online or via telephone, last approximately 30–45 minutes, and participants will get a gift appreciation for their time and effort.
Please contact Dr Lee-Ann Jacobs-Nzuzi Khuabi or (02 4055 0846/ 0474 567 192) or Dr Sarah Perkes for more information.
3. SAD Study in Patients with Parkinson’s disease & Motor Fluctuations
We are testing a new treatment called SER-252, designed to help people with Parkinson’s disease who experience ‘OFF’ times during the day. SER-252 is a new long-acting form of apomorphine designed to help reduce OFF periods in patients who are still experiencing OFF episodes despite optimised therapy. ON means medication is working; OFF means symptoms return.
The study will evaluate safety, tolerability, and measure how the drug moves through the body. More here.
Who can take part?
- Are 40–80 years old
- Have Parkinson’s disease and experience daily episodes where your current medications do not work optimally and result in OFF periods (your medication wears off in between doses and your symptoms return)
- Are on a stable medication regimen that includes levodopa doses 3-4 times each day
- Your doctor will confirm if you meet all requirements for the study.
CMAX is currently recruiting subjects for this study in Adelaide. Contact email: CMAX Clinical Research
4. Thriving Through Tremors: A Comparative Study of Flourishing & Mature Happiness in Parkinson’s disease
This study aims to better understand how people with and without Parkinson’s disease experience wellbeing. Specifically, it explores positive psychological factors such as purpose in life, social connection, inner peace, and acceptance within the frameworks of flourishing and mature happiness. The findings will help challenge stereotypes about chronic illness and inform approaches to supporting mental health and wellbeing.
| Eligible individuals can participate by completing the anonymous online survey (approximately 10 minutes). Participation is voluntary, and responses are completely anonymous. Access the survey here: https://qualtricsxm7lv3b8jlt.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Xq1NBU2tprjVuS |
Required eligibility to participate in the trial
Participants must:
- Be aged 18 years or older
- Be able to read and understand English
- Be able to provide informed consent
- People with or without Parkinson’s disease are eligible.
5. Assessing cognitive trajectories in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy using remote computerised reaction time tasks
We are recruiting patients for a new study evaluating computerised cognitive testing in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). The goal of this study is to assess whether this new testing can detect decline in cognitive function in PSP better than existing pen and paper tests. This will enable researchers to better characterise the individual cognitive trajectories in people with PSP and be used in future research and clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of investigational treatments. More here.
What does it involve?
There will be two in-person study visits at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC or Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, VIC. These will include history taking, physical examination and cognitive assessment, approximately 90 minutes duration. You will be familiarised with the new cognitive testing platform and then complete it at home every 2 months on your internet-enabled smart device every 2 months for one year. Each test takes about 10-12 minutes to complete. You will be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your quality of life and how you found the testing.
Who can take part?
- Have a diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy made by a Neurologist
- Age older than 40
- Be available for two in-person assessments 12 months apart (Alfed Hospital or Monash University)
- Be able to complete the study consent and activities in English
- Have reliable access to a smart device (mobile phone, tablet or laptop/computer) with internet connection and be willing to register your personal details on our secure testing website
- Have no other major neurological or psychiatric illnesses
- Be able and willing to undergo MRI brain scanning
More on clinical trials here.
Register your clinical trial with us to post on our page for our community to participate in.
