Research Opportunities at the VA

Parkinson’s Genetic Research Study (PaGeR)

A person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) is determined by both genetic and environmental factors. Uncovering these genes and environmental exposures might lead to the development of more effective strategies for early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of PD.

The Parkinson’s Genetic Research Study (PaGeR), headed by Dr. Cyrus Zabetian, is searching for genes that increase the risk of developing PD and related disorders.

Pacific Udall Center

The Pacific Udall Center is a collaboration among the University of Washington, Stanford University, the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Oregon Health & Science University, and the Portland VA Medical Center. This multidisciplinary program brings together academic, clinical, and research experts in the fields of movement disorders, memory disorders, and brain aging to study cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)

Having biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease progression helps development of effective treatments that can slow down the neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease. PPMI, sponsored by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, is an endeavor for this mission of biomarker discovery. PPMI has now been expanded to the pre-motor or prodromal stage of Parkinson’s disease. The University of Washington and VA Puget Sound Health Care System are a participating site of PPMI.