Autoimmune Features of Neurodegenerative Disorders
This study is being conducted to better understand the role of inflammation in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The investigators plan to recruit 30 PD, 30 AD/Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI), and 60 age matched healthy controls in this study to study the role of immune response in PD and AD. The study involves up to two study visits involving brief questionnaires and blood draw of up to 250cc (approximately 17 tablespoons) to be collected. More ways to participate, including 1) smaller amount blood donation (up to 100cc per visit for 1-2 visits); and 2) participation via tele-visit and mobile phlebotomy visits (blood donation up to 50cc, \ 5 tubes, by a certified mobile phlebotomist at home/location of choice) now available.
• Clinical diagnosed PD based on UK Brain Bank criteria for the clinical diagnosis of PD. And must demonstrate two of the following three, as modified from BioFIND criteria: rest tremor, rigidity, or bradykinesia, with dopaminergic medication benefit
• Age at recruitment ≥ 55
• Age at motor onset \> 45
• PD onset age between 50-75 years
• Willingness to have genotyping and genetic studies
• Ages ≥55 years old
• With lack of PD in first-degree blood relatives
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): ≥26
• Willingness to have genotyping and genetic studies
• Clinically diagnosed mild AD/amnestic MCI. The severity will be accessed through the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). CDR equal to 0.5 or 1 will be necessary to meet criteria. Participants with advanced AD stage will not be capable to give their consent.
• Age ≥55 years old
• Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE): 20-26
• Willingness to have genotyping and genetic studies
• Healthy volunteers ≥55 years old
• CDR: 0
• MoCA: ≥26
• Willingness to have genotyping and genetic studies