SUMMARY
# Endocannabinoid System Dysfunction Validation in Parkinson's Disease
## Background and Rationale
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in motor control and neuroprotection, with mounting evidence suggesting its dysfunction contributes to Parkinson's disease pathophysiology beyond dopaminergic degeneration. This clinical validation study investigates ECS alterations in Parkinson's patients compared to healthy controls, focusing on both central and peripheral endocannabinoid sign
METHODOLOGY NOTES
**Phase 1: Participant Recruitment and Baseline Assessment (Weeks 1-4)**
• Recruit n=120 participants: 60 PD patients (Hoehn & Yahr stages I-III), 60 age-matched healthy controls
• Inclusion criteria: PD diagnosis per MDS criteria, stable medication regimen ≥3 months, age 50-75 years
• Exclusion criteria: cannabis use within 6 months, other neurodegenerative diseases, severe cognitive impairment (MoCA <20)
• Collect comprehensive medical history, current medications, and demographic data
• Obtain informed consent and ethics approval documentation
**Phase 2: Clinical Assessment Battery (Weeks 5-8)**
• Administer MDS-UPDRS Parts I-IV for motor and non-motor symptom assessment
• Conduct Hoehn & Yahr staging and Schwab & England Activities of Daily Living Scale
• Perform comprehensive neuropsychological testing (MoCA, MMSE, PDQ-39)
• Assess sleep quality (PDSS-2) and autonomic function (SCOPA-AUT)
• Document levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) and medication timing
**Phase 3: Biospecim