Last Friday, Prof. Dr Rainer Klump, the President of the University of Luxembourg, Dr Marc Schiltz, the Secretary General of the Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR) and Prof. Dr Rudi Balling, the Director of the LCSB, volunteered as control subjects (i.e. people not affected by Parkinson's disease) in the Luxembourg Parkinson Study, within the National Centre for Excellence in Research (NCER-PD).
In order to be included in the study, they participated in a three-hour examination program that involves amongst other things neuropsychological tests and a small blood donation. “As the university is very much involved in this research project, I am happy to contribute to the success of this clinical study”, explained Prof. Dr Klump. “We are honored to have the president of the university take part as a healthy control subject”, emphasised Prof. Rejko Krüger, head of the Luxembourg Parkinson Study. “It sets a highly visible example, shows that healthy people are also important for our research, and hopefully will further motivate university staff to volunteer as well.”
The Luxembourg Parkinson Study will recruit 800 patients as well as 800 control subjects within the next 2 years. Anyone unaffected by Parkinson’s disease can serve as a healthy control for the study. Currently the researchers are particularly in need of men over the age of 40 because the majority of patients falls into this age and gender group.
“It is important to convey the message that this study concerns us all, not only the patients”, stated Dr Schiltz. He added that “the visits ran smoothly thanks to the very professional clinical team” and that “it is a real asset to be able to organize appointments on site." Indeed, the experienced neurologists, neuropsychologists and study nurses that form the study team have already seen more than five hundred patients and volunteers, and know how to make sure that the examination passes quickly and pleasantly. They can also plan visits at different places throughout Luxembourg, allowing volunteers to easily participate in the study.
The success of the Luxembourg Parkinson Study depends on the participation of a high number of patients as well as control subjects, so do not hesitate to join this scientific adventure. As said Prof. Dr Rudi Balling, “it feels great to be able to actively contribute!"
For more information or to schedule an appointment for control subjects, contact us via phone +352 26970-889 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..