Leading the Way to Precision Parkinson's Care

The LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange (LITE) is a research study. It collects health, disease, and genetic information from people with and without Parkinson's disease (PD). LITE aims to better understand how PD develops and progresses. Parkinson's affects everyone differently. By joining LITE, you can help researchers build treatments and tools that reflect your experience.

LITE is happening at sites around the world. The study is led by the University of Dundee and supported by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. It is part of a global effort focused on understanding Parkinson's genetics.

Why is this study important?

Parkinson's disease affects people in different ways -- and the reasons behind those differences are still being uncovered.

Some individuals develop PD due to changes in specific genes, such as LRRK2. Others have no known genetic link. Some carry genetic risk but never develop symptoms. Exploring these differences is essential to advancing care.

The LITE study brings together people from diverse backgrounds to explore how genes and biology influence Parkinson's onset and progression. By studying genes and biological markers across groups, LITE is helping build a clearer, more complete picture of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's Disease Isn't One-Size-Fits-All

Parkinson's is a brain disease that affects movement. It can cause tremors, stiffness, slowness, and balance issues. PD occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical that helps coordinate movement, stop working or die.

But PD is more than a movement disorder. It can also affect mood, memory, digestion, sleep, and sense of smell. These symptoms vary widely from person to person.

This diversity in symptom experience is part of what makes PD so complex. The LITE study explores how genetics and biology relate to these differences. The goal is to support future discoveries that can lead to personalized therapies with greater chance of stopping disease.

Join the Study

The LITE study is looking for people with and without Parkinson's disease to help advance research.

Especially Needed:

People diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (with or without a genetic link)
People without Parkinson's who have a known genetic variant (like LRRK2) or a family history of PD

Joining a research study is your choice. There is no cost to join this study.

What will I be asked to do if I join the study?

Attend one or more visits to a study site

Give about 6 hours of your time

Have a genetic test (Learning results is your choice)

Have a physical and neurological exam

Answer questions about your health and family history

Share biological samples (spinal fluid, blood, skin, breath, urine)

Have brain imaging scans (MRI and DAT scan, if eligible)

Complete movement, smell and memory tests

There is no cost to you for these tests. You will be compensated for your participation. All travel costs for you and a study companion will be covered by the study.

This is an observational study. That means you will not be given a study drug or other treatment. If the study team finds anything concerning during the study, they will tell you and your doctor.

Your Privacy

Your privacy is very important. The study has put measures in place to safeguard the information you contribute. The study team can talk more about these measures and your privacy.