Investigating the link between memory problems and hallucinations in Parkinson's Disease.
Official title: Visual hallucinations and memory impairment in Parkinson's Disease: The role of hippocampal networks
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10891564 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how memory problems and seeing things that aren't there are related in people with Parkinson's Disease, and it hopes to find out if issues in a specific part of the brain are causing both of these challenges, which could lead to better care for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $620,781 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH123552-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891564 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease who are experiencing memory impairment or visual hallucinations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's Disease who do not exhibit cognitive impairment or hallucinations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how memory impairment and visual hallucinations are connected in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). By examining the role of hippocampal networks, the study aims to identify whether dysfunction in this brain region contributes to both cognitive decline and hallucinations. Patients will undergo detailed neuropsychological assessments and brain imaging to track changes over time. The findings could help clarify the mechanisms behind these symptoms and improve patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment strategies for managing cognitive and psychiatric symptoms in Parkinson's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding hippocampal function can provide insights into cognitive and psychiatric symptoms in various disorders, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bakker, Arnold — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Bakker, Arnold
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Memory problems and seeing things in Parkinson's disease
This project looks at whether changes in the hippocampus explain memory loss and visual hallucinations in people with Parkinson's disease by following them over time with tests and brain scans.
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Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease: biomarkers and procedures to track progression
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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.