The Parkinson's Genetic Research Study (PaGeR) is a research project led by Dr. Cyrus Zabetian. The study looks for genes that might make people more likely to get Parkinson's disease (PD), a brain disorder that affects movement. The study is supported by the National Institutes of Health and involves many doctors and scientists across the United States. The main center for this study is in Seattle at the University of Washington and the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.
PaGeR is interested in families where two or more people have PD. These families might help researchers find new genes linked to PD. Participants will fill out a questionnaire, have an interview, a brain and nerve check-up (neurological exam), a quick memory test, and get their blood taken. Joining the study takes 1-2 hours, and it's free. All personal information is kept private. There are several places in the country where families can join, and other options are available if travel is difficult.
- Time commitment: 1-2 hours.
- No cost to participate.
- Family members with PD must be willing to participate.