Clinical Trials and Research Opportunities
The APDA Massachusetts Chapter and Information and Referral Center is pleased to maintain this area for your convenient access to basic information on research studies on-going at various movement disorder centers. Although the APDA has not individually reviewed or specifically endorsed each study posted here, each has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at its respective medical center. For further information on any study posted here, please utilize the specific contact information provided with the description of the actual study in which you are interested. As always, consult your physician to discuss the individual benefits and risks of each study prior to participating.
To increase your awareness of ongoing research and clinical trials visit www.pdtrials.org or www.clinicaltrials.gov or www.pdpipeline.org
To submit trial information please correspond with Cathi Thomas RN, MS at information@apdama.org
A. UMass Parkinson's Disease Sleep Study
The Cognition and Action Lab at UMass-Amherst is recruiting individuals with Parkinson’s disease for an online survey. The survey includes questionnaires that are related to the symptoms you experience, the effect of the disease on your daily life and your quality of sleep.
B. Effects of Parkinson's Disease on Perception, Cognition and Gait
A research study at Boston University examining the association in Parkinson's disease between vision and spatial navigation (getting around your environment).
Click here for the study flyer.
C. Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative Study (PPMI)
A five-year observational clinical study, sponsored by Michael J. Fox Foundation, will seek biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease.
Click Here for more information.
C1. MGH Research Study
D. Safinamide as an Add-on to Levodopa in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease (SETTLE)
Safinamide is an investigational drug being tested which may improve your Parkinson’s Disease symptoms.
Click here for the study flyer.
D1. Clinical Research at the Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorder Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
This study will compare dance to more traditional physical therapy in PD patients.
E. Sleep and Ramelteon - A clinical trial conducted in the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Neurology
This study is designed to determine the effects of 4 weeks of Ramelteon treatment on the sleep patterns of people with HD, PD, and DLB. The study also aims to look at the sleep patterns of caregivers of people with HD, PD, and DLB.
CLICK HERE for the brochure.
F. Inosine Research Study in Parkinson's Disease
A multicenter randomized clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Inosine in slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease.
G. Research Study Evaluating an Individuals Risk of Developing Parkinson's Disease (PARS)
Parkinson's Associated Risk Factor Study (PARS)
Study Enrollment is Complete!
H. Seeking Parkinson's Disease Patients for Research on Therapy with Brain Stimulation
1) Click Here for information on a study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) or at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital on therapy with brain stimulation.
2) Click Here for more information on a second study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on therapy with brain stimulation.
I. Parkinson's Research Study of Motor Fluctuations
J. Research Study on Parkinson’s Disease
K. UMass Research on Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Needs Participants
L. Volunteers Needed for MIT Parkinson's Disease Project
M. Do your Parkinson’s symptoms fluctuate?
N. STEADY PD (Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy Assessment of Dynacirc® CR for PD)
Isradipine CR is a medication that is approved for the treatment of high blood pressure by the Food and Drug Administration Agency (FDA), but not for the treatment of PD. Isradipine CR has been shown to have a neuroprotective effect in preclinical models of parkinsonism (poster Simuni, et al).
This study is being conducted under a research grant award from the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) and the Dixon Foundation.
Study Enrollment is Complete!
O. Study of Safinamide in Early Parkinson’s Disease as Add-on to Dopamine Agonist (MOTION)
Click Here for the study flyer.
P. Participants needed for study on the health of caregivers to relatives with Parkinson’s Disease and other related movement disorders
If you are providing care for a relative with Parkinson’s Disease or an other related movement disorder and you are 60 years or older, you may be eligible to participate in a study on how caregiving affects your health.