I went to the Cleveland Clinic last Monday with a view to enrolling in this study. They took a blood sample and sent it to New Haven for analysis and I am waiting to find out if I have a mutated LRRK2 gene.

What they explained to me is that I am of interest because I have PD, have a first degree relative with PD and am the descendant of Eastern European Jews.

If they find the mutation, I am in the study. If I don't then I am not useful to them. The neurologist explained that they don't have the money to screen thousands of PD patients looking for the mutations. So they are hoping to take a shortcut by only screening those who belong to certain ethnic groups who are known to have those specific mutations.

Once enrolled there is not much of a burden on the patients. The study will consist mostly of observation. There are not drugs to take and no invasive procedures such as spinal fluid taps.

I never thought that having PD would make me useful for research. The world is full of surprises.

Clyde