Microbiome and Diet in Parkinson's Disease

What this study 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.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• a clinical diagnosis of PD,
• cognitively stable (no clinical dementia),
• between 40-80 years old,
• able to travel to UBC for 6 onsite visits over 18 months,
• sufficient English proficiency (coaching and cooking classes are in English only),
• on a stable dopaminergic medication for at least one month before baseline,
• computer and internet access at home, and can be available via video link for at least 80% of the study sessions.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• a diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism,
• medical or psychiatric conditions that would prevent full participation in the nutrition intervention (such as food allergies), significant dysphagia, diabetes on insulin, anti-coagulation on warfarin, and inflammatory bowel disease,
• clinical dementia,
• unable to complete questionnaires or understand study instructions,
• using of immunomodulatory agents,
• used Probiotics in the last 4 weeks prior to study start,
• used Antibiotics in the last 3 months prior to study start,
• contraindications for MRI.

Where this trial is running

• UBC Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Who to contact

Annie Kuan · 604-827-0576 · annie.kuan@ubc.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06207136.