Opportunities to Volunteer for Research

LSU Health Shreveport has partnered with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) to become one of twelve sites participating in the Black and African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease (BLAAC-PD) study, a project of the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2) and the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative. MJFF serves as the implementation partner for GP2 and works with the ASAP initiative to coordinate a global program to conduct scientific research and analysis to identify genetic links to Parkinson’s disease.

FOR COMMUNITY. FAMILY. YOURSELF

BLAAC PD is a research study. It collects information on health, disease and genes to learn more about Parkinson’s disease. Genes are passed on from parents, and some gene changes may raise the risk of disease.

 YOUR PRIVACY:  BLAAC PD and GP2 share their data with scientists to look for discoveries that could lead to new treatments. After your visit, the research team will remove data that would identify you. This includes your name, contact information, and address. That identifying information is kept separate and secure. Your blood or saliva sample will have a unique ID number. It will be studied for gene changes and securely stored.

 TO QUALIFY:  You must be 55 or older and identify as Black or African American. You DO or DO NOT HAVE Parkinson's Disease. (Download Brochure)

 PARTICIPATE:  There is no cost to participate. To learn more or to participate, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Disbrow at CBHResearch01@lsuhs.edu, call (318) 813-3610, or go to blaacpd.org.

PD GENEration is a Parkinson's Foundation initiative that offers genetic testing and genetic counseling at no cost for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). When you participate, you will have the opportunity to:

• Better manage your Parkinson's in the future.
• Help scientists in their journey to advance understanding of PD.
• Improve Parkinson's care and research.
• Accelerate enrollment in clinical trials.
• Aid in development of improved treatments and personalized medicine for PD.

Join the Study

PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation is a global research study that provides genetic testing and genetic counseling at no cost for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

People can participate by enrolling online and completing an at-home blood collection kit or in-person at the LSU Health Shreveport Center for Brain Health. Unlike traditional research studies, participants not only contribute to scientific advancement but also receive something back — their test results.

By joining the study, participants can discover new knowledge about their genetic makeup, understand their family’s risks and help benefit generations to come.

To participate in person, call us at 318-813-3610 or email CBHresearch01@lsuhs.edu.

To learn more about the study visit Parkinson's Foundation website. 

To participate from home, email Genetics@Parkinson.org or call the helpline at 1-800-473-4636 to speak with a Helpline specialist in English or Spanish. Open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (eastern standard time).

The Power of Genetic Testing

Through PD GENEration, the Parkinson's Foundation aims to provide genetic testing and genetic counseling at no cost to all people living with PD.

Genetic testing can be a powerful tool to uncover biological pathways that cause Parkinson’s, eventually leading to improved treatments and care. Genetic testing can also help people with PD and their care team identify whether they may qualify for enrollment in certain clinical trials.

Learn more about variants in PD related genes.

Security and Confidentiality

Data contributed to PD GENEration will be kept anonymized and secure. DNA samples will be stored by Fulgent Genetics. All data shared with the research community will be kept confidential to protect patient health and personal information.