---
title: "Parkinson's Clinical Trial Echoes Michael J. Fox's Story | Sutter Health"
description: "Sutter Health's TOPAZ Trial tests a treatment to prevent fractures from Parkinson's-related falls, inspired in part by Michael J. Fox's public journey with PD."
url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation/clinical-trial-for-parkinsons-and-its-connection-to-a-beloved-movie-star"
---

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# Clinical Trial for Parkinson’s and Its Connection to a Movie Star

Sutter Health's TOPAZ Trial tests a treatment to prevent fractures from Parkinson's-related falls, inspired in part by Michael J. Fox's public journey with PD.

July 17, 2023 by Karin Fleming

![Clinical Trial for Parkinson’s and Its Connection to a Movie Star](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/research-and-innovation/topaz-8fcc872b.jpg?h=682&iar=0&w=1024 "Clinical Trial for Parkinson’s and Its Connection to a Movie Star")

A moving documentary describes actor Michael J. Fox’s rise to stardom and at one time his hidden Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis. He spent years concealing his condition. After going public with his disease in 1998, he devoted himself to raising awareness and funding for research. The inspirational 62-year-old continues to share his story with the world.

> [Parkinson’s disease](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease) (PD) is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement and often includes tremors.

His new documentary “[STILL. A Michael J. Fox Movie](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19853258/)” also highlights his falls and fractures. He says, “I was walking really fast, and I fell into this piece of furniture. They did the x-rays…broke all the bones in \[my\] cheek and eye. They did surgery and went in and fixed it and put pins in it. So, I smashed my face up…I do that. Like, I do that. It’s part of the deal is that I fall.”

Later: “I broke my arm and people around me were going ‘hey you got to be careful, you gotta be different.’ This has nothing to do with being careful this is just like this happens you have Parkinson’s…you trip over sh\*t and you fall down.”

Like Mr. Fox, people suffering from Parkinson’s often fall and suffer factures. But research is currently being conducted to investigate whether fractures from Parkinson’s related falls may be prevented. A clinical trial called the **TOPAZ Trial** is testing a treatment – a medicine called zoledronate – to prevent fractures. Participation in the TOPAZ trial currently being offered to patients at Sutter Health in its [locations](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/clinical-trials/trial-of-parkinsons-zoledronic-acid) in the East Bay and Greater Sacramento Valley. Participants who qualify can participate in the study from their home.

**You can join if:**

-   You have Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonism
-   You are 60 years old or older

**_Enroll:_** [**_Sutter’s TOPAZ Trial is actively recruiting_**](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/topic/parkinsons-disease)**.**

Sutter’s lead investigators are **[Dr. Matthew W. Arnold](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-doctor/dr-matthew-w-arnold)**, a neurologist with Sutter’s East Bay Medical Foundation, and **[Dr. Nicklesh Thakur](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/investigators/nicklesh-thakur)**, a research neurologist with Sutter Medical Group.

“It’s incredible to witness the attention and resources Michael J. Fox has brought forth to the fight against this disease.  His foundation has been an invaluable resource to both patients and physicians,” says Dr. Arnold. “His grace and humor helps put a human face on Parkinson’s, and calls us all to action for more research and clinical trials. We are excited to offer patients at Sutter Health access to the TOPAZ trial to gather important information and help prevent disability in individuals with this illness.”

Learn more about **TOPAZ** on the “TOPAZ Trial” [website](https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research/our-research/topaz-trial) or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).

**_TOPAZ_** _**Trial** is endorsed by the Parkinson’s Foundation and funded by the National Institute of Aging._

## Parkinson’s, tremor and movement disorder care

Your ability to move freely affects every part of daily life. If you're living with Parkinson's, tremors or other movement disorders, our specialists can offer diagnosis, targeted therapies and strategies to maintain independence.

[Learn more about Parkinson’s, tremor and movement disorder care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/parkinsons-tremor-and-movement-disorder-care)

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### [Wearables Unlock New Insights for Neurological Disease](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation/wearables-unlock-new-insights-for-neurological-disease)

### [First At-Home Study Looks at Ways to Prevent Parkinson’s Fractures](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation/first-at-home-study-looks-at-ways-to-prevent-parkinsons-fractures)

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