Improving how we measure Parkinson's disease progression in early treatment
Feasibility of Objective Measures and Outpatient Washout in Disease-Modifying Trials for Parkinson's Disease
This work aims to find better ways to track how Parkinson's disease changes over time, especially when patients are trying new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11120945 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Parkinson's disease currently has no treatment that slows its progression, affecting over a million Americans. While deep brain stimulation (DBS) is typically used in later stages, early studies suggest it might protect brain cells in animal models and slow tremor progression in early-stage patients. To confirm these promising findings in larger trials, we need more precise ways to measure how the disease is progressing. This project explores using advanced brain scans and wearable sensors alongside standard assessments to objectively track Parkinson's changes in patients receiving early DBS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on improving methods for future clinical trials involving patients with Parkinson's disease, particularly those in early stages.
Not a fit: Patients not participating in or directly benefiting from future clinical trials that use these improved measurement methods may not see immediate direct benefit from this specific grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate and objective ways to determine if new treatments, like early deep brain stimulation, are truly slowing down Parkinson's disease progression.
How similar studies have performed: Promising preclinical studies and a pilot clinical trial have suggested that early deep brain stimulation might slow Parkinson's progression, motivating the need for better measurement tools in larger trials.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hacker, Mallory L. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hacker, Mallory L.
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.