Looking for newly diagnosed PWP in search for biomarkers

When diagnosed with Parkinson's nine years ago, I declined the general neurologist's suggestion that I immediately start on PD meds. Instead, I joined a clinical trial that was looking for 800 "de novo" (newly diagnosed and not on meds yet) PWP to test a new treatment that held the promise of slowing disease progression. Although the study drug did not deliver on this promise, participating in this trial is a choice I have never regretted. 500 of the original 800 participants, including me, signed up for a follow-on trial that provided much valuable scientific data to scientists and researchers.

Today de novo PWP are needed for the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) which aims to identify biomarkers of PD progression. A biomarker is an objective measure used to make a diagnosis of disease. For example, high cholesterol is a biomarker for heart disease. Finding biomarkers is critical to developing new treatments that can slow or stop the progression of the disease.

For detailed information about the PPMI, please visit their info website.

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In the course of my nine years with PD, I have participated in a multi-year trial, and have undergone nearly every test that the PPMI study participants will take. I am happy to share my own experiences and answer any questions about the clinical trial process in general. You can email me: pdplan4life (at) konoso.org

If you are a de novo PWP, or if you know of anyone who is, please refer them to this website.  At the time of this posting, PPMI is still looking for participants.

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email us directly at: Sheryl@pdplan4life.com

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