Gut bacteria digest our food.

The nutrients and chemicals they produce enter the blood stream and can reach the brain. The brain directs your digestion through the nervous system.

Scientists now believe that the brain also reacts to signals sent from the gut and its bacteria. A disruption of this relationship may lead to health issues.

This is a minimal risk research project.

You might feel some apprehension about collection stool samples or having your blood drawn. We will make these sample collections as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

Also, we will stand by to help you with all forms and conduct interviews in a manner that is respectful of your time and your privacy.

Your personal information that may identify you will be kept completely confidential and will not be shared with others.

All information and samples collected from you will be number-coded so that your name will not appear in any documentation.

The goal of our study is to find out what causes Parkinson’s disease.

Patients only tell us half of the story. We need to compare patients to those who do not have the disease. Differences and similarities help us identify causes and why some people get sick.

You may still participate without a household member.

You will receive up to $75 or more for your efforts depending in which parts of this study you participate in and mileage reimbursement for site visit.

We will provide you with the latest information on our study findings, such as information about gut and brain health.

What we will learn may help to improve the health of current and future members of your community.

Call us toll-free at

1-866-519-1795