TraPCAf is organised around seven interconnected work packages, spanning the pathway from understanding the scale and causes of Parkinson’s disease to improving diagnosis, treatment and care across Africa.

The TraPCAf Project at a Glance

Group establishment: Establish research groups, map existing care pathways and identify priorities for Parkinson’s research and care across participating countries.

Prevalence studies - Understanding Parkinson’s across communities: Investigate the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease and associated risk factors through community-based studies in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya.

Diagnosis: Assess and develop diagnostic and screening tools, alongside research into gait and metabolome, to improve the identification of Parkinson’s disease.

Treatment: Evaluate Mucuna pruriens (MP) as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease through a clinical trial in Tanzania.

Management: Study the characteristics and progression of Parkinson’s disease, build capacity among healthcare professionals, and evaluate healthcare systems, training and health economics.

Epidemiology - Investigating factors that may influence Parkinson’s disease: Explore the genetics, microbiome and potential environmental risk factors, including pesticide exposure, associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Lived Experience - Putting people with Parkinson’s at the heart of the research: Work with people living with Parkinson’s, carers, and support groups to understand lived experience, strengthen public education, and raise awareness.