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In this Article

• Introduction to clinical trials for Parkinson's Disease
• What is a clinical trial?
• How does the process work?
• What are the advantages of participating in a clinical trial?
• What are the disadvantages of participating in a clinical trial?
• How would my care be different if I participated in a clinical trial?
• What is informed consent?
• Who can participate in a clinical trial?
• What is it like to participate in a clinical trial?
• Important questions to ask
• Is there a Parkinson's clinical trial I could participate in?
• Parkinson's Disease Clinical Trials Glossary
• Parkinson's Disease Clinical Trials Index
• Find a local Neurologist in your town

Important Questions to Ask

If you are thinking about taking part in a clinical trial, find out as much as possible about the study before you decide to participate. Here are some important questions to ask:

• What is the purpose of the clinical trial?
• What kinds of tests and treatments does the clinical trial involve?
• How are these tests administered?
• What is likely to happen in my case with, or without, this new research treatment? (Are there standard treatment options in my case, and how does the study treatment compare with them?)
• How could the clinical trial affect my daily life?
• What side effects can I expect from the clinical trial?
• How long will the clinical trial last?
• Will the clinical trial require me to give up some of my personal time? If so, how much?
• Will I have to be hospitalized? If so, how often and for how long?
• If I agree to withdraw from the clinical trial, will my care be affected? Will I need to change doctors?
• If the treatment works for me, can I continue taking it after the trial?

For information about other ongoing Parkinson's disease studies, contact the National Institutes of Health.

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Jon Glass on March 15, 2010

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