Sniffing Out Parkinson's: The Parkinson Associated Risk Study (PARS)

The PARS study is the largest study involving first-degree relatives of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson disease.  The goal of the PARS study is to better understand who may be at risk for Parkinson disease so that it can ultimately be prevented before it starts. This study will evaluate thousands of individuals that have a relative affected by Parkinson disease to determine whether specific tests are able to predict who may be at increased risk for developing Parkinson disease.

The initial test to be evaluated in the PARS study is a smell identification test that is distributed by mail and completed at home. By using smell testing in combination with other tests, they hope to develop a system to detect signs or symptoms that may predict who is at risk for Parkinson disease.

Loss of smell is a common first symptom in people with Parkinson disease.  In Parkinson disease, the decrease in the sense of smell frequently occurs prior to the onset of motor symptoms.  By using smell testing in combination with other tests they hope to develop a system to detect Parkinson disease before it starts.

For more information about the PARS study and how you can participate, visit the PARS website at: http://parsinfosource.com/

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http://katekelsall.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/11/my-dogs-nose-kn.html