Kenmore

Researchers are conducting a prospective observational study to understand how multiple sclerosis MS progresses in patients who use complementary and alternative medicine CAM. The study aims to track changes in symptoms, quality of life, diet, lifestyle habits, and the occurrence of adverse events. It also seeks to identify individuals who maintain the highest quality of life and minimal disease activity, called positive deviants, and compare them to others to explore factors influencing disease stability and well-being. Participants with MS who use CAM will be observed over time without receiving a specific treatment from the study. The study will collect data through surveys and assessments to describe patterns of CAM use and lifestyle choices. This includes detailed tracking of therapies and habits over a period of five years. During the study, participants will complete surveys every six months to report on their disease status, treatments, and quality of life. Researchers will measure outcomes such as CAM therapy use and disability levels using established scoring systems. This long-term observation helps to understand how different approaches may relate to disease progression and life quality in MS. The total participation duration is five years, with ongoing evaluations throughout this period.

Researchers are conducting a prospective observational study to understand disease progression, symptom changes, quality of life, diet, and lifestyle habits among people with Parkinsons disease PD, parkinsonism, or related syndromes. The goal is to identify medication, diet, and lifestyle patterns linked with better quality of life and slower disease progression. This study is sponsored by Bastyr University and aims to gather insights that may inform future care approaches for these conditions. Participants who have Parkinsons disease, parkinsonism, or parkinson-plus syndromes will complete online surveys every six months for five years. These surveys include questions about health, wellbeing, and dietary intake. The study does not provide medical care but collects information to assess the longer-term effects of complementary and integrative care on PD symptoms and quality of life. During the study, participants will receive email links to complete the CAM Care in PD survey and a dietary intake questionnaire at each six-month interval. Completing the surveys takes about one to one-and-a-half hours. Researchers will measure patient-reported outcomes related to global health and Parkinsons symptoms over five years. Participants can skip questions they do not wish to answer and are encouraged to continue their usual care with their own providers throughout the study.