Actively Recruiting
Microbiome and Diet in Parkinson's Disease
Led by University of British Columbia · Updated on 2026-03-23
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
160 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of British Columbia
Lead Sponsor
W
Weston Family Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this pilot study is to examine the feasibility and effects of an 18-month intervention diet compared to an active control diet (standard diet) in those living with Parkinson's Disease (PD), without dementia. Research has shown that eating components of Mediterranean diets are associated with a 30% lower risk to develop PD and a 40% lower mortality rate in those living with PD. Diet may influence the gut and microbiomes, thus may affect PD risk and progression. This study will examine how easy it will be to adhere to a certain type of diet for 18 months and what changes may occur in the gut microbiome and in PD symptoms on a specific diet during that time. The study will involve in-person study visits at UBC as well as online diet coaching sessions and online group cooking classes over Zoom. This is a randomized study, meaning that participants will be assigned by chance to either the Mediterranean-style diet group or the standard diet group for the duration of the 18 months. This pilot study will also examine recruitment rates and retention, in order to prepare for a larger future study.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Microbiome and Diet in Parkinson's Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease
- No clinical dementia (cognitively stable)
- Age between 40 and 80 years
- Able to travel to University of British Columbia for 6 visits over 18 months
- Sufficient English proficiency for coaching and cooking classes
- On stable dopaminergic medication for at least 1 month before baseline
- Has computer and internet access and can attend at least 80% of study sessions via video link
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism
- Medical or psychiatric conditions preventing full participation (e.g., food allergies, significant swallowing difficulties, insulin-dependent diabetes, warfarin use, inflammatory bowel disease)
- Clinical dementia
- Unable to complete questionnaires or understand study instructions
- Use of immunomodulatory agents
- Use of probiotics within 4 weeks prior to study start
- Use of antibiotics within 3 months prior to study start
- Contraindications for MRI
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UBC Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 2B5
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Annie Kuan
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here