Black and African Americans Connections to Parkinson's Disease (BLAAC PD)

Research studies have found connections between genes and Parkinson's disease (PD). But those results have mostly come from studies with non-Black or African American volunteers. BLAAC PD aims to learn more about gene changes that may cause Parkinson's in Black and African American people. Study volunteers at sites across the United States will attend one visit and will give either a blood or saliva sample, complete a smell test, and may be asked to complete a physical exam. This new data could lead to future Parkinson's tests and treatments for Black and African American people and it may help better understand disease in other groups, too.

This pioneering initiative will fill a gap of knowledge about PD in Black and African American people.

Inclusion criteria

for Control Participants:

• Ability to provide informed consent
• Age 50 years or older
• Self-identify as Black or African American

Exclusion criteria

for Control Participants:

• Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease and/or neurological condition
• Familial history of PD and/or neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions
• Unknown family history of PD and/or neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions
• Any conditions that, in the investigator's opinion, preclude the individual's ability to carry out study activities
• If submitting a saliva sample, nothing by mouth (food, drink, gum, tobacco, or smoking) for 30 minutes prior to sample collection

Inclusion criteria

for Participants with a Diagnosis of PD:

• Ability to provide informed consent
• Age 18 years or older
• Self-identify as Black or African American
• Meet the Movement Disorder Society's clinical diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease

Exclusion criteria

for Participants with a Diagnosis of PD:

• If submitting a saliva sample, nothing by mouth (food, drink, gum, tobacco, or smoking) for 30 minutes prior to sample collection