Finding Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease
Preclinical Markers of Parkinsonism
This project aims to find early signs of Parkinson's disease and related conditions in people who are at high risk, before symptoms become obvious.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137749 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that conditions like Parkinson's disease are caused by certain protein clumps in the brain. This project wants to find ways to spot these conditions much earlier, before noticeable symptoms appear. Researchers will look for "Mild Parkinson Impairment" using new imaging and body function tests. They will focus on people with REM behavior disorder, as many of them later develop Parkinson's or similar conditions. This early detection could help develop new treatments to slow or stop the disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be individuals diagnosed with rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder, as they are at higher risk for developing Parkinsonism.
Not a fit: Patients who already have a clear diagnosis of advanced Parkinson's disease or related conditions may not directly benefit from this early detection research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and related conditions, opening the door for treatments that might slow or stop disease progression.
How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches to early identification, such as defining Mild Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer's disease, have revolutionized clinical trials in that field.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vaillancourt, David E — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Vaillancourt, David E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.