Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, causing tremors, stiffness, and impaired mobility. It is estimated that over 10 million people live with Parkinson’s disease, and this number is expected to double by 2040. In a bid to combat this, Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), a landmark Parkinson’s study, has been opened to adults in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The study seeks to find new ways to detect and track the progression of the disease, as well as identify new treatments to improve the lives of those living with Parkinson’s. In this article, we will explore the PPMI study in more detail and its potential impact on individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), a landmark study from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), has expanded to people in Canada. The study aims to better understand how Parkinson’s disease develops and progresses. The initiative is recruiting individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s within the past two years who have not yet started on disease-relevant treatment, and adults without Parkinson’s starting at age 60. Sites in Canada, including the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), Toronto Western Hospital, and The Ottawa Hospital, will be recruiting potential participants. Canadian residents can also travel to sites in the US, with the study covering travel costs for potential participants and a loved one.
The PPMI, launched in 2010 by the MJFF, has expanded several times. The study is enrolling thousands of people with early Parkinson’s, disease risk factors, and others with the aim of collecting a huge swathe of data that can be used by scientists to better understand what causes Parkinson’s and to identify areas for intervention. The study has enrolled some 50 medical centers worldwide, recruiting participants.
The study recently expanded its screening to identify Parkinson’s early in Canada with a smell test. The PPMI testing includes screening for the loss of smell. This smell test is open to adults ages 60 or older without Parkinson’s. Participants will be mailed a scratch-and-sniff test, which they can take and input results online. The study is also recruiting individuals with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a condition where an individual acts out dreams while sleeping and an established Parkinson’s risk factor. People with RBD can contact the study team.
“The global Parkinson’s field feels an urgency to work toward earlier diagnosis, improved treatments and ultimately better quality of life for everyone living with this disease. … Our strong, diverse Canadian community is an asset in this shared pursuit of advancing scientific breakthroughs and treatments for everyone,” said Karen Lee, PhD, President and CEO of Parkinson Canada.
PPMI is possible only through collaboration, and the addition of these Canadian partners is critical to its success. Researchers have used data from the ongoing study to better predict how fast Parkinson’s will progress, look for risk factors for cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s, and better understand the role of inflammation in the disease.
The PPMI initiative is aimed at inviting more people to join Parkinson’s research with the aim to speed up scientific breakthroughs and work towards a better understanding of the disease and, ultimately, a cure. Participation in the study helps researchers field collect data to identify areas for intervention and improve treatments for Parkinson’s patients.
In conclusion, the PPMI study marks a significant milestone in Parkinson’s disease research. By opening its doors to adult patients, the study is paving the way for future breakthroughs in the treatment and prevention of this debilitating illness. We can only hope that the PPMI study will continue to attract more participants and provide innovative solutions to the challenges faced by those with Parkinson’s disease. It is through this kind of pivotal research that we can ultimately hope to find a cure for this devastating condition.
