Understanding and treating voice changes in Parkinson disease
Pathways, mechanisms, and treatments of vocal communication deficits in a Parkinson rat model
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11129322
This work explores why people with Parkinson disease experience vocal communication difficulties and looks for new ways to help them.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11129322 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many individuals with Parkinson disease experience significant vocal communication challenges that can appear early and greatly affect their quality of life. Current treatments for these voice issues are limited because we don't fully understand how the disease affects the voice in its early stages. This project aims to fill that knowledge gap by exploring how inflammation in the brain's vocal areas contributes to these problems. We are looking at how specific brain cells interact and lead to vocal difficulties, hoping to find new anti-inflammatory treatments that could prevent or slow down these changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for individuals interested in the underlying causes of Parkinson disease-related vocal issues and future treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical participation will not find benefit from this early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce the progression of vocal communication deficits in people with Parkinson disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has shown that inflammation plays a role in the brain pathways related to vocal communication in a model of Parkinson disease, suggesting this approach has a promising foundation.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KELM-NELSON, CYNTHIA A — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: KELM-NELSON, CYNTHIA A
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.