While browsing my Facebook feed, I came across the following post from the Michael J Fox Foundation: Find out if you may be eligible to participate in a clinical study investigating the link between Ashkenazi ancestry and Parkinson’s. The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) is The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s flagship biomarkers study seeking to learn more about the genetics of Parkinson’s disease. PPMI is currently studying the connection between PD and having a mutation in either the LRRK2 or GBA gene — both are promising targets of PD research. https://www.michaeljfox.org/page.html?ppmi-genetics I have participated in a number of clinical studies for both PD and Breast Cancer.  I encourage you to participate as well.  Most studies have trouble recruiting enough people to actually do the study, even if they are fully funded.  If you have not already done so, sign up for Fox Trial Finder so that you can take an active part in finding a cure for PD. In addition, please go to the 23 and Me website and sign up to be tested.  There is no charge for the kit if you sign up for the PD research study.  Here is the link:  https://www.23andme.com/pd/ They do not give you medical information..  Privacy is very important, and you have to sign a release for the company to share your results with researchers.  They do give you your Ancestry composition.  Mine, as expected, was 97.8% Ashkenazi.  The surprising part was the 2.8% Neanderthal!!!

WATCH: The Parkinson’s Minute on PD Genetics