United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Portland VA Medical Center

Northwest PADRECC

Parkinson's Disease Research, Education & Clinical Center

For veterans with Parkinson's disease

PADRECC Research Studies

Memory and Movement Disorders Demonstration Project (VAIRB ID:1585 VAIRB Grant Number: #02-2202)

Dr. Joseph Quinn, MD is conducting this research study in order to track the frequency and types of changes in mental function that occur over time in Parkinson's patients. Participants would be asked to attend one or more study visits. All study visits would take place at the Portland VA Medical Center. The first visit would take less than twenty minutes. If asked to continue in the study there would be a second 90 minute visit and then follow-up examination once a year for the next 3 years. All patients in the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinic Center (PADRECC) are invited to participate in thesis study. You may or may not personally benefit from participating in this study. However by serving as a subject you may help us learn how to benefit patients in the future. For more information on how to participate, please contact Susan O'Connor, RN at (503) 721-1091.

Ability to Arise From the Floor in Persons with Parkinson's Disease (VAIRB ID: 1585 VAIRB Grant Number #06-1405)

Dr. Jeff Krakkevik, MD is conducting this study to see how well people with Parkinson's Disease can get up form the floor after they experience a fall. Participation would require up to three 30 to 40 minute outpatient visits at the Portland VA Medical Center. In order to participate you must be a Veteran treated in the PADRECC Clinic or by the PADRECC physical therapist, diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and at least 30 years of age. You may not be abe to participate if you are unable to stand or move without the help of a caregiver, you have other neurological or musculoskelatal abnormalities that might affect your ability to stand form a sitting position ore the investigators determine that you are not eligible for safety reasons. You may not benefit from this study however if you are found to have difficulty in arising from the floor you may benefit from instruction and advice on how to do so. Study visits would take place at the portland VA Medical Center. For more information on how to participate, please contact Susan O'Connor, RN at (503) 721-1091.

Parkinson Associate Risk Study (PARS): Evaluating Potential Screening Tools for Parkinson Disease (VA IRB ID: 2021; VA IRB Grant Number: # 05-0307)

Dr. Penny Hogarth is conducting this research study to estimate the frequency of olfactory loss in first-degree relatives of Parkinson’s patients. Participation by a first-degree relative of a Parkinson’s patient would require 6 one hour annual visits to the Portland VA Medical Center and completion of 6 annual smell tests by mail. The sub-study would require travel to Connecticut for a brain imaging procedure. All costs for travel to Connecticut will be paid by the study sponsor. All first-degree relatives of PD patients above the age of 50 or within 10 years of the age of diagnosis of PD are invited to participate. This is a research study and not treatment or diagnosis of PD. You may not benefit from participating in this study. However, by serving as a subject, you may help us learn how to benefit patients in the future. For more information on how to participate, please contact Susan O’Connor, RN at (5030) 721 – 1091.

Recruiting For OHSU:

Fish Oil for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's Disease (PD)

The Parkinson's Center of Oregon at Oregon Health and Science University is looking for people with a confirmed diagnosis of PD who are suffering from depression. The purpose of the study is to determine if taking omega-3 fatty acids along wi your current antidepressant helps with symptoms of depression in people with PD. In addition, we will determine if omega-3 fatty acids along with your current antidepressant helps with symptoms of depression in people with PD. In addition we will determine if omega-3 fatty acids decrease blood levels of substances that are associated with depression.

You may be eligible to participate in the study if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have a definite diagnosis of PD
  • On a stable dose of anti-depressant medication
  • Between 18-85 years of age

This is a three-month pilot study in which 60 participants with either PD or MS will be randomly assigned to receive wither fish oil capsules(which have high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids) or placebo capsules. The study requires 5 visits to OHSU. The research study will pay for all costs associated with the participation in this study. You will be responsible for any expenses that have to do with other aspects of your participation such as childcare and transportation. I you meet the eligibility requirements described above and are interested in participating in this study please call Dr. Lynne Shinto at (503) 494-5035.