Development of Imaging, Clinical and Biochemical Bio-Markers for Parkinson's Disease

We propose to build on preliminary data evaluating non-dopaminergic/non-motor clinical biomarkers to more fully assess these markers at the threshold of Parkinson disease (PD). Development of reliable biomarkers for both dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic manifestations of Parkinson disease (PD) and related disorders may dramatically accelerate research on PD etiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutics. Biomarkers are broadly defined as characteristics that are objectively measured and evaluated as indicators of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention. Specific biomarkers may be useful at the onset of neurodegeneration, the onset of disease, and/or to mark disease progression.