Overview

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Public Health Statement: Parkinson’s disease is the most common movement disorder of mid to late life. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that over a half million people in the United States suffer from Parkinson’s disease, causing untold suffering to patients as well as their caregivers and other loved ones. The physical, emotional, and societal costs of Parkinson's disease will increase over the coming decades as more of us live longer; in fact, the number of patients with Parkinson’s disease is expected to double in the United States by the year 2030 unless we find safe and effective means to cure, delay onset, or slow progression of this disease.
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In the Pacific Northwest, we are fortunate to have a new major research center focused on Parkinson’s disease, the Pacific Northwest Udall Center (PANUC). PANUC is a collaboration among the University of Washington, the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Oregon Health & Science University, and the Portland VA Medical Center.  PANUC is one of fourteen Morris K. Udall Centers of Excellence for Parkinson’s Disease Research across the United States, named in honor of the former Utah congressman who battled Parkinson’s disease. Udall Centers focus on scientific and clinical research designed to gain a fuller understanding of the fundamental cause(s) of the disease, improve diagnosis, and develop new approaches to treatment.  
 
Research is vital to developing new treatment strategies for Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. Participation of patients and their families or friends will be critical to the success of this research. In PANUC, there are several opportunities for people with Parkinson’s disease and related disorders to become involved in our research. Areas of study include:

  • Cognitive Function Assessments: Cognitive impairment is common in Parkinson’s disease, is a significant source of disability for patients, and is associated with increased burden for caregivers. The primary research focus of PANUC is cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease. We strive to understand the basis of this problem, and then through both clinical and basic research to discover new and better treatments for all patients with Parkinson's disease.
  • Genetic Research: Genetics plays an important role in susceptibility to Parkinson’s disease. PANUC investigators are determining the role that genetics plays in cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease and this will point us to new therapeutic targets.
  • Biomarker Testing: As we and others work on developing better treatments, it also will be necessary to develop tools to determine their effectiveness. PANUC biomarker research will address this problem by developing laboratory tests to estimate risk, aid in diagnosis, measure progression, and determine response to treatment of Parkinson's disease.
  • Experimental Medication Protocols: PANUC investigators will be seeking out novel treatment trials for Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, particularly those related to cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease. Volunteers in PANUC will have the opportunity to participate in these studies as they become available.


Please consider volunteering for Parkinson's disease research. Only with your help can scientists and physicians find the cause and cure for this devastating disease. Although your participation may or may not provide direct benefit for you, your participation is crucial for reducing or hopefully preventing Parkinson’s disease in future generations. People of all racial and ethnic groups are encouraged to participate.
 
If you have any further questions about PANUC, please call 206-277-3956 or 1-866-932-7380 to speak with one of our staff members. This phone call will give you a chance to ask questions and for us to describe the PANUC studies in more detail.