PPMI...how 4 letters can mean so much

PARKINSON'S
    PROGRESSION
        MARKERS
            INITIATIVE


To start you off, I will share a short video: 

Parkinsons Progression Marker's Initiative

The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) is an observational research 

study to identify biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease progression. A biomarker is a 

substance or characteristic in our bodies that is associated with the presence of 

disease, or that changes over time in a way that can be linked to the progression of 

disease. An observational study means that study participants will undergo numerous 

tests and assessments of bodily processes related to Parkinson’s disease, but will not 

receive an experimental drug or treatment. This study will use a combination of 

imaging techniques, collection of blood, urine and spinal fluid, and clinical tests. PPMI 

requires the participation of 400 Parkinson’s patients who are newly diagnosed and 

are not currently taking standard PD medications and 200 individuals 

who do not have PD. Participants must be at least 30 years of age. They 

will participate at one 24 Parkinson’s disease centers.

Purpose of the Research

The goal of the PPMI study is to identify one or more biomarkers of Parkinson’s 

disease. The discovery of a biomarker of Parkinson’s disease is critical to the 

development of new and improved treatments for Parkinson’s disease, particularly 

treatments that could slow or stop the progression of the disease, something no 

currently available treatment can do.

Learn More From Our Call Center   877-525-PPMI (7764)

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So, what does all of this mean?  Currently, the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is made clinically. When I saw the neurologist (well I really did see 2 of them since I was certain that the first one was surely wrong) I was asked to tap my fingers, walk down a corridor and perform some cognitive tests, all so that this doctor might arrive at a likely diagnosis.  Unlike diabetes, high cholesterol or even prostate cancer, there is no blood test or imaging modality that can make the diagnosis of PD for the doctor. Biomarkers, such as glucose levels, lipid panels and PSA are essential in making a diagnosis for the physician and his patient.

And, to take it one step further, each of those biomarkers guides the treatment as they all are indicators of whether or not a prescribed therapy is working.

Such a luxury does not exist for PD...yet.  The PPMI is a landmark study that aims to find that golden nugget...a biomarker of Parkinson's disease progression. And if the researchers are successful, the face of PD drug development will change dramatically. Right now, a drug takes years to evaluate as it is only after a lengthy clinical observation period that it is evident that the drug is effective or not.  With a biomarker, drug development and treatment modalities will be placed on a much faster track leading us to a cure all that much sooner.

So, if you are interested in getting this study done...and you are a male 55 yrs old or older....call the number on your screen. And then let me know because I would like to thank you.