Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN)

Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) connects Parkinson's disease participants, clinicians, and researchers across Canada to accelerate multidisciplinary and multisite Parkinson's disease research through a national de-identified database and biomaterial repository.

Key Features:

• De-identified Clinical Database: The database contains de-identified data on demographics, lifestyle, symptoms and signs, treatment approaches, and standardized assessments.
• Biomaterial Collection: The network collects venous blood-derived biomaterials including DNA, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and serum.
• Multi-center Data Access: Resources are accessible to researchers through web-based data management systems for multi-center studies, including REDCap.
• National Research Network: C-OPN connects ten accredited universities and movement disorders research centers across multiple Canadian provinces.

Scientific Applications:

• Environmental Factor Analysis: The cohort data enables analysis of environmental factors associated with Parkinson's disease.
• Motor and Non-motor Symptom Research: The database supports research on motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease participants.
• Disease Management Studies: Collected data facilitates investigation of different disease management strategies and treatment approaches.
• Regional Difference Analysis: The multi-province cohort enables examination of regional differences among provinces in Parkinson's disease characteristics and care.
• Biomaterial-based Research: Collected DNA, PBMC, and serum support molecular and genetic analyses in Parkinson's disease research.

Methodology:

Data are collected through standardized assessments and de-identified prior to database entry; biomaterials are derived from venous blood collection.