Parkinson's Disease Research

  • See current clinical trials.

  • Learn how you can help advance understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Current Studies

How to Enroll

If you’re interested in learning more about participating:

  1. Contact our team via email at contact@inwresearch.com or by phone at (509) 960-2818.

  2. A member of our team will answer your questions and explain the study in more detail.

  3. If appropriate, we can discuss next steps, including screening and eligibility requirements.

  4. You’ll receive a copy of the informed consent form and have time to review it and decide whether participation is right for you.

  5. If you choose to consent and are determined to be eligible, you may be invited to participate in the study.

Thank you for considering participation. Your involvement helps advance research and improve understanding of Parkinson’s disease.

Why Your Participation Counts

By taking part in a research study, you help scientists and physicians:

  • Learn more about how PD develops and progresses.

  • Test new treatments or approaches for managing symptoms.

  • Improve quality of life for other people with PD now and help those diagnosed in the future.

Your involvement may give you access to additional monitoring, connection with movement-disorder specialists, and the satisfaction of contributing to a larger effort of progress and understanding.

What is Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition in which certain brain cells that produce dopamine gradually decline. Dopamine is a chemical that helps coordinate movement. When dopamine is reduced, people may notice:

  • Motor (movement) Symptoms Include: 

    • Tremors (shaking of hands, arms, legs or jaw) 

    • Rigidity (stiffness of arms, legs or trunk) 

    • Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)

    • Difficulties with balance and walking

  • Non-motor Symptoms Include:

    • Changes in sleep, mood (anxiety/depression), thinking or memory, and in some cases, hallucinations.

PD is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. Because each person’s journey with PD is different, it’s difficult to predict exactly how it will progress. Current treatments can help control symptoms but do not yet cure the disease.

Key Treatments for PD (Overview)

Below are some of the main treatments used today.

  • Levodopa (often combined with carbidopa): This is the most common and effective dopamine-replacement therapy.

  • Dopamine Agonists: Medications that mimic dopamine and may be used early or in combination.

  • MAO-B Inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, rasagiline): Help preserve dopamine by blocking its breakdown.

  • COMT Inhibitors: Extend the benefit time of levodopa by slowing its breakdown.

  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) — a surgical option when medications are no longer effective enough.

Understanding Your “ON” and “OFF” Times

When managing PD you might hear the terms “OFF” time and “ON” time:

  • OFF time occurs when your current medication dose is wearing off and symptoms return (for example tremor, stiffness, slowness). This may happen between doses, in the morning, or under stress.

  • ON time is when your medication is working well and your symptoms are well-controlled.

Understanding your ON / OFF rhythm can help you and your doctor optimize treatment and is often a focus of research studies.

Who Can Join the Study?

Each study has specific eligibility criteria. The general criteria may include:

  • Adults diagnosed with PD (by a neurologist)

  • Age range requirements

  • Ability to comply with study visits and procedure schedule

  • Not having certain exclusion conditions (for example, other neurological disorders, major surgery within the past 6 months).

We will provide a full list of eligibility criteria at screening. If you have eligibility questions, contact our study team.

What Does Participation Involve?

When you agree to join our study, you can expect:

  1. Screening visit: Review of your health, PD symptoms, medications, and labs.

  2. Baseline visit: Detailed assessments of motor scale, non-motor symptoms, cognition, etc., to establish a baseline of current symptoms.

  3. Follow-up visits: Regular visits for assessment of symptoms, medication use, and quality of life. Some visits may be virtual or at home.

  4. Optional procedures: Some studies may offer additional procedures depending on the protocol.

  5. Withdrawal: You may withdraw at any time, and your standard care won’t be affected.

Benefits & Risks

  • Benefits may include access to expert care, closer monitoring of your PD, and contributing to new scientific knowledge.

  • Risks may include possible side effects from study treatments. All procedures will be explained, and you may ask questions at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Video Resources