Are there different types of clinical research?
Researchers are interested in studying many aspects of Parkinson’s disease to try to solve it. There are different types of research studies depending on the type of research question. For example, a researcher trying to identify what causes PD is likely to study genetic or external environmental factors that may have triggered an individual to develop PD. Other researchers study how Parkinson’s affects different people and how it changes over time (these are known as natural history studies). Finally, in order to assist people living today with Parkinson’s, researchers need to ask: How can we treat this condition or improve the lives of people affected by it? Different types of treatment can include changing behavior, performing surgery or taking medications. When research involves testing a treatment is it is called a clinical trial but these other types of research are just as important to help us answer questions and to find a cure for Parkinson’s. How do I find out about a clinica
