RecruitingNot Applicable

The GBA Multimodal Study in Parkinson's Disease

United States, Canada25 participantsStarted 2019-05-01

Plain-language summary

This study plans to analyze the molecular and clinical mechanisms of the relationship between the GBA mutations and Parkinson's disease. This will be assessed through the use of advanced neuroimaging techniques called PET (positron emission tomography) to study the accumulation of the tau protein and the dysfunction of acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain of people with a mutation in the GBA gene, with and without Parkinson's disease. The ingestigators will also use a technology-based assessment to study the typing patterns as possible biomarkers of early motor dysfunctions.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * heterozygous for a pathogenic GBA mutation (e.g., p.L444P, p.N370S) or polymorphism; * age 18 to 80 years. Exclusion Criteria: * co-occurrence of other neurological disorders; * implants that contraindicate the MRI scanning (e.g. cardiac pacemaker, ferromagnetic implants or devices); * severe claustrophobia; * intolerance to antiparkinsonian drug withdrawal (for GBA-PD subjects); * ongoing treatment with cholinergic drugs

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Acetylcholinesterase activity

Timeframe: baseline

Tau protein deposition

Timeframe: baseline

Dopaminergic denervation

Timeframe: baseline

neuroQWERTY index

Timeframe: baseline

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04101968

SponsorPacific Parkinson's Research Centre

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2025-12-30

Contact for this trial

Jessamyn McKenzie

6048227764 jess.mckenzie@ubc.ca

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Parkinson Disease trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.