The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI): How does Parkinson’s start and change?

Researchers want to find factors that will help them understand how Parkinson’s starts and changes over time. This will ultimately help to develop new treatments, better clinical care, and potentially prevent Parkinson's.

Who

People with Parkinson’s:

• who are over 40 years old

• and have been diagnosed with Parkinson's in the last 7 years

• This can include people who are or aren’t taking medication or intervention for Parkinson's symptoms (including DBS)

People without Parkinson’s:

• who are over 40 years old

• The researchers are especially interested in hearing from people with REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (iRBD) or who act out their dreams

What

First, you’ll receive a smell test to complete from home. The results of your smell test may lead to an invitation for in person assessments, including physical and neurological exams, memory tests, brain scans, and lumbar puncture. Find out more about lumbar puncture in this Michael J. Fox Foundation video.

Once enrolled, you’ll visit the clinic every 6 months or annually for the first 2 years to repeat assessments. This is followed by annual clinic visits with interim remote check-ins for 5 to 12 years.

You’ll receive compensation for each visit. Travel costs related to the study will be reimbursed up to a reasonable amount for participants and a study companion.

For more information, please read the participant information sheet.

Interested in taking part?

Scroll down to find your nearest study site, click the arrow, and then click on the link to request a smell test. You’ll be asked to create an account before requesting your smell test.

If you have any questions, please contact the research team by email at [email protected] or by phone at 01912 081 284.

The deadline for this research is 31 December 2026.

New lab test may enable earlier Parkinson's diagnosis

In 2023, PPMI scientists validated a groundbreaking test that could help diagnose Parkinson’s before damage occurs to brain cells. This breakthrough could revolutionise treatment development, and the initiative is seeking more participants to continue this progress.

Find out more

Deadline

31 December 2026