The Black and African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease (BLAAC PD) study protocol
Authors: Chahine Lana M. , Louie Naomi , Solle J , Akçimen Fulya , Ameri Andrew , Augenbraun Samantha , Avripas Sabrina , Breaux Sarah , Causey Christopher , Chandra Shivika , Dean Marissa , Disbrow Elizabeth A. , Fanty Lauren , Fernandez Jessica , Foster Erin R. , Furr Stimming Erin , Hall Deborah , Hinson Vanessa , Johnson-Turbes Ashani , Jonas Cabell , Kilbane Camilla , Norris Scott A. , Nguyen Bao-Tran , Padmanaban Mahesh , Paquette Kimberly , Parry Carly , Pessoa Rocha Natalia , Rawls Ashley , Shamim Ejaz A. , Shulman Lisa M. , Sipma Rebeka , Staisch Julia , Traurig Rami , von Coelln Rainer , Wild Crea Peter , Xie Tao , Fang Zih-Hua , O’Grady Alyssa , Kopil Catherine M. , McGuire Kuhl Maggie , Singleton Andrew , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Bandres-Ciga Sara ,   the BLAAC PD Study and the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2), McGuire Kuhl Maggie , Kopil Catherine M. , Dean Marissa , Alfradique-Dunham Isabel , Coleman Juliana , Elkasaby Mohamed , Javalkar Vijayakumar , Kelley Roger , Standaert David , Tholanikunnel Tracy , Toms Jamie , Baskin Lynae , Bean Myeshia , Bonano Aidan , Chauppetta Brian , Cromer Candace , Crovetto Nicolle , Davis Kandace , Delaune Mariah , Flowers Jennifer , Foli Randy , Franklin Tenisha , Guilluly Hanna , Griffin Christina , Hawkins Ashley , Heliste Jennifer , Hines Joshua , Hudson Jessica , Krinickas Nathan , Levenes Elsa , Marathonitis Sophia , Mercado Crystal , Mesaros Maysen , Parker James Ryan , Patel Davina , Peters Alexandra , Richardson Joseph , Rizer Kyle , Robinson Christina , Chamorro Andrea Rosado , Rosenbaum Marc , Ruffrage Lauren , Sajewski Kailey , Senette Terrelle , Smith Jenna , Smith Van , Terrell Eileen , Thomas Dominique , Thomas Hannah , Thompson Kristin , Thomas-Dean Fermine , Valdez Olga , Vanegas Jacqueline , Volcy Magdaline , Weimer Rebecca , Williams Mackenzie , Williamson Jared , Woodhouse Dominique , Abdollah Zadegan Shayan , Kostrzebski Melissa , Alessi-Fox Christi , Clark Karen , Baker Debbie , Parker Tanya 
Published: October 2024

Determining the genetic contributions to Parkinson’s disease (PD) across diverse ancestries is a high priority as this work can guide therapeutic development in a global setting. The genetics of PD spans the etiological risk spectrum, from rare, highly deleterious variants linked to monogenic forms with Mendelian patterns of inheritance, to common variation involved in sporadic disease. A major limitation in PD genomics research is lack of racial and ethnic diversity. Enrollment disparities have detrimental consequences on the generalizability of results and exacerbate existing inequities in care. The Black and African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease (BLAAC PD) study is part of the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program, supported by the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s initiative. The goal of the study is to investigate the genetic architecture underlying PD risk and progression in the Black and/or African American populations. This cross-sectional multicenter study in the United States has a recruitment target of up to 2,000 individuals with PD and up to 2,000 controls, all of Black and/or African American ancestry. The study design incorporates several strategies to reduce barriers to research participation. The multifaceted recruitment strategy aims to involve individuals with and without PD in various settings, emphasizing community outreach and engagement. The BLAAC PD study is an important first step toward informing understanding of the genetics of PD in a more diverse population.