Why do Parkinsons clinical research studies need volunteers?
Over the past decade, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have devoted significant federal dollars to making substantial scientific discoveries and advances in the neurosciences. This investment has resulted in a recent explosion of new research insights about Parkinson’s and other diseases of the brain. At last count, there were over thirty studies taking place in research centers across the U.S. for new Parkinson’s treatments and therapies. However, a potential crisis in Parkinson’s clinical research is looming: the number of people volunteering to participate in Parkinson’s clinical trials is not keeping up with the growth in available trials. This means that some trials are being unnecessarily delayed because of difficulties in finding patients who are willing to participate. That’s why Parkinson’s disease advocacy groups have decided to initiate a community-wide effort to educate and inform people with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers about Parkinson’s clinical trial
