The goal of this observational study is to learn whether tissue samples taken from the colon during routine colonoscopy can detect signs of Parkinson's disease. The main question it aims to answer is:
Can doctors find a protein called alpha-synuclein in colon tissue samples from people with Parkinson's disease?
Currently, Parkinson's disease is diagnosed by observing symptoms like tremors and movement problems, but by then the disease has already progressed significantly. Earlier detection could help doctors start treatment sooner.
Adults 40 to 99 years of age
Patients with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease by UKPDS Brain Bank Criteria
Patients who have agreed to undergo a routine colonoscopy as part of their surveillance for colon cancer or exclusion of other gastrointestinal diseases
Use of anticoagulants (Plavix 75 mg or aspirin up to 325 mg alone is allowed)
History of colon cancer
Recent gastrointestinal illness or surgical procedures
Pregnant or planning to become pregnant before the scheduled colonoscopy
CND Life Sciences
Lead sponsor
Oregon Health and Science University
Collaborator