The Epidemiology of Parkinson's Disease in Croatia and the Influence of Genetic Factors and Microbiota on the Progression and Treatment Outcomes of the Disease (GiOPARK)

Whole-exome sequencing with the focus on Parkinson's disease loci.

Next generation sequencing of microbiota from stool and saliva samples.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain focused on detection of free water in Substantia Nigra using a novel protocol.

Transcranial ultrasound of Substantia Nigra, as well as high resolution EEG.

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) will be used to assess the inflammatory state, glial functions, and disease progression will also be determined through specific markers in the participant's serum and plasma samples

Fluorescent correlation spectroscopy (FCS), more specifically, ThT fluctuating intensity fluorescent analysis (FIFA) will be used to determine the existence of pathological conformation protein forms and their relation to the disease's grade and therapy.