The Rostock International Parkinson's Disease Study (ROPAD), is a global observational study focusing on the role of genetics in the cause and progression of Parkinson's.
Alongside clinical information, the study involves a simple blood test (which can be taken at home) for DNA and biomarker analysis.
Genetic analysis will begin with GBA and LRRK2, two genes in which specific clinical trials for mutation carriers are being planned in the next few years. If no mutations are identified, a comprehensive analysis of other PD associated genes will be performed to identify novel genetic variants.
