Colonoscopic Detection of Phosphorylated Alpha-synuclein for Parkinson's Diagnosis

Summary

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.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* 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

Exclusion Criteria:

* 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
* Significant cognitive impairment, as determined by study investigators
* Decisionally impaired adults who cannot express understanding that this study is voluntary and for research purposes

Conditions5

Locations1 site

Browse More Trials