Protocol Number: 97-HG-0078

Title:

Genetic Analysis of Parkinson's Disease

Number:

97-HG-0078

Summary:

The purposes of this study are to identify the gene or genes responsible for an inherited form of Parkinson's disease and learn more about how the disease develops.

In Parkinson's disease, a deficiency of a brain chemical called dopamine impairs the function of the part of the brain that controls movement. As a result, patients may have difficulty moving or they may have uncontrolled movements of their hands and fingers. Parkinson's disease usually occurs sporadically, with no known cause. In a few families, however, the disease seems to be inherited through a gene mutation (change). There is a 50-50 chance that a parent with the mutated gene will pass it on to a child. Children who do inherit the abnormal gene may or may not go on to actually develop Parkinson's disease-the relative chance of this happening is not known.

Individuals 18 years of age and older from families in which Parkinson's disease appears to be inherited may be eligible for this study. Participants will have a brief medical examination, provide a personal and family medical history, and have a small blood sample (2 tablespoons) taken for genetic studies. The total time required for the study is about 1 to 2 hours.

Participants are encouraged to meet with a NIH investigator or with a genetics specialist in their local area before testing to talk about the possible implications for themselves and their families of the test results.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Active Accrual Of New Subjects

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): Children

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals over the age of 18 from families in which an autosomal dominant form of Parkinson's disease is apparently being inherited.

The diagnosis must be supported by accepted clinical criteria: tremor, bradykinesia, and responsiveness to L-DOPA.

Unaffected family members will also be enrolled.

Subjects must give consent.

Parkinson's disease may be associated with dementia.

Decisionally-impaired individuals will be enrolled.

Special Instructions: Currently Not Provided

Keywords:

Linkage

Polymorphism

Substantia Nigra

Dopamine

Dominant

Parkinson's Disease

Recruitment Keywords:

Parkinson's Disease

Conditions:

Parkinson's Disease

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Contacts:

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citations:

Mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene identified in families with Parkinson's disease

Mapping of a gene for Parkinson's disease to chromosome 4q21-q23

The low concordance rate for Parkinson's disease in twins

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department of Networks and Applications, CC.

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Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center (CC)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 10/27/2004