Understanding attention, movement, and walking difficulties in Parkinson's disease
Cholinergic mechanisms of attentional-motor integration and gait dysfunction in Parkinson Disease
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11160597
This research explores how brain chemistry affects walking, balance, and attention in people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11160597 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people with Parkinson's disease experience challenging walking, balance, and thinking problems that are not helped by standard treatments. Our previous work showed that changes in a brain chemical system, called cholinergic systems, play a big role in these difficulties. We believe these changes disrupt how your brain integrates attention and movement. This project will use special brain scans in people with Parkinson's to see how these chemical changes relate to walking and balance issues, and will also use animal models to understand the brain processes involved.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be individuals living with Parkinson's disease who experience difficulties with walking, balance, or attention.
Not a fit: Patients without Parkinson's disease or those whose symptoms are well-managed by current treatments may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat the walking, balance, and cognitive problems that significantly impact daily life for Parkinson's patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research from this center has already shown important connections between cholinergic systems and gait and cognitive issues in Parkinson's disease, leading to this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ALBIN, ROGER L — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: ALBIN, ROGER 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.