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BLAAC PD: Understanding Parkinson's Disease in Black and African American Communities

The BLAAC PD study is looking for Black and African American people, aged 18 and older, to help researchers understand Parkinson's disease (PD) in these communities. This study is observational, meaning it will collect information without testing a specific treatment. Researchers want to find new risk factors and better describe how PD affects Black and African American individuals. This study is part of a larger effort to understand the genetics of Parkinson's disease globally. The goal is to fill a knowledge gap, as most previous research has focused on other groups. This information could lead to new tests and treatments for Parkinson's disease in the future.

Study design
This is an observational study aiming to enroll 2000 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
Participants will have one visit where they will give a blood or saliva sample, complete a smell test, and may have a physical exam.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoints for exploring risk factors and characterization will be measured at 5 years.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06719583

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

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18+Observational
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
~2,000 participants
Updated 2026-02-27 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
11 of 12 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Explore novel risk factors and characterization
Measured over 5 years

Conditions

Parkinson Disease

Explore related trials

Parkinson Disease

NCT06719583

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 12 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport

    Shreveport, Louisianastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Medical University of South Carolina

    Charleston, South Carolinastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Ochsner Clinic Foundation

    New Orleans, Louisianastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Rush University

    Chicago, Illinoisstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

    Cleveland, Ohiostudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham, Alabamastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • University of Chicago

    Chicago, Illinoisstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • University of Florida

    Gainesville, Floridastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Lana Chahine, MD, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pittsburgh

Who to contact

Naomi Louie, MPH RDN
[email protected]
212-509-0995 · ext. 354
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

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

What this trial measures

  • Explore novel risk factors and characterization5 years

    To explore novel risk factors and characterization of known genetic risk factors contributing to Parkinson's disease risk in the Black and African American population.