Identifying brain signals that help improve movement in Parkinson's Disease
Neurophysiological Biomarkers of Movement Facilitation in Parkinson’s Disease
This study is looking at how different types of cues, like visual targets and sounds, can help people with Parkinson's Disease move better and reduce issues like freezing up, with the hope of finding new treatments to improve their daily lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10895311 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific neural signals can be enhanced to improve movement in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). It focuses on using different types of cues, such as visual targets, rhythmic sounds, and motivational rewards, to facilitate movement. By studying how these cues activate distinct brain circuits, the research aims to identify biomarkers that could lead to new neuromodulation therapies. This approach seeks to address symptoms like freezing of gait that are not well managed by current treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease who experience movement difficulties, particularly freezing of gait.
Not a fit: Patients with Parkinson's Disease who do not experience significant movement issues or those with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that significantly improve movement and quality of life for patients with Parkinson's Disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using various cues to enhance movement in Parkinson's patients, but this specific approach of targeting distinct neural circuits is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cross, Kathryn Amy — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Cross, Kathryn Amy
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.