The LITE study: shining LIGHT on Parkinson’s disease
The LITE study aims to improve our understanding of Parkinson's disease (PD), including why it develops and how it progresses. Currently, there's no way to definitively diagnose PD or predict its course. This study will collect many biological samples, scans, and information from a large group of people, both with and without PD. This will help scientists identify factors that contribute to PD and understand how new treatments might work. Your participation could help develop better ways to diagnose and treat PD in the future. We're looking for adults aged 18 and over, with and without PD, to join. The study involves a visit to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee for various assessments, including blood tests, scans, and physical checks.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Scientists are still learning why Parkinson's disease (PD) affects people. We believe it might be due to a mix of things like your genes, your environment, and simply getting older. Right now, there isn't a simple test to tell if someone has PD, how it might progress over time, or what their future might look like. And when new treatments are being tested, we don't always know if they'll work for everyone with PD or just a smaller group.
The LITE study is really important because it will help us answer these big questions. By bringing together lots of information from a large number of people – including those with PD and healthy volunteers – scientists will get a much clearer picture. We'll be collecting many types of samples and scans, as well as health information.
All this information will be carefully studied. The aim is to build a stronger foundation of knowledge about PD. This better understanding is a crucial step towards finding new ways to diagnose PD earlier, track its progression more accurately, and ultimately develop more effective treatments that could improve the lives of people living with Parkinson's.
Key takeaways
- Aims to improve understanding of Parkinson's disease (PD).
- Seeking adults (18+) with and without PD.
- Involves medical assessments, scans, and biological samples at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.
- Participation helps future PD diagnosis and treatment development.
- Flexible scheduling for assessments to manage tiredness.
- Funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Who may be eligible?
We are looking for adults aged 18 or older to join this study. You might be eligible if you have Parkinson's disease, or if you are a healthy volunteer without Parkinson's disease.
If you have Parkinson's disease, you will need to have a clear diagnosis of PD and show some common symptoms like slowed movement or tremor. We are also interested in people whose Parkinson's is linked to specific genes, and those where the cause isn't genetic.
If you don't have Parkinson's disease, you could still join if you are healthy, or if you have a family history of PD, or if you carry a specific gene that might be linked to PD but don't have symptoms yourself. However, you cannot have a diagnosis of dementia or other specific types of Parkinson-like conditions.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have Parkinson's disease, or are you a healthy volunteer without PD?
- Are you willing to have genetic tests?
- Are you able to provide your consent to take part?
- If you have PD, do you have a confirmed diagnosis?
- If you do not have PD, do you have a history of dementia or specific types of Parkinson-like conditions?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will be invited to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee (or another study location if you're not in the UK). Before any tests are done, you'll have a chance to talk to a study doctor and then sign a consent form, which confirms you want to join. You can ask any questions you have at this point.
The study involves several assessments. These include reviewing your medical history, current medications, and family health history. You'll also have a physical check-up, a smell identification test, and complete some questionnaires. We'll need some biological samples like blood, urine, and breath, as well as a small skin sample and a sample of fluid from your spine (cerebrospinal fluid). You'll also have two types of brain scans: an MRI scan and a DaT scan. All these assessments will be done whether you have PD or not.
There are quite a few assessments, and they can be tiring. To help with this, we can split your visits over two or more days, or arrange a rest day between visits if needed. You can always ask the study team to stop at any point and continue another time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network - NHS TaysideCity onlyDundee, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is the purpose of the LITE study?
The LITE study aims to understand Parkinson's disease better by collecting lots of information from people with and without PD, hoping to find new ways to diagnose and treat it.
Who can take part in this study?
Adults aged 18 and over, both those diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and healthy volunteers, are invited to participate.
Where does the study take place?
In the UK, the study is run from Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. There are also study locations in other countries.
What kinds of tests will I have if I join?
You'll have physical checks, provide samples like blood and urine, have brain scans (MRI and DaT), and answer questions about your health and medical history.
Will I receive any direct benefit from participating?
While you might not get an immediate personal health benefit, your participation will greatly help in the general understanding of Parkinson's disease and the development of future treatments.
How to find out more
Francesca Tonelli
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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