Understanding how attention affects movement and falls in Parkinson's disease
Project II: Circuit Mechanisms of Attentional-Motor Interface Dysfunction in PD Falls
This study is looking at why people with Parkinson's disease sometimes fall, focusing on how their attention and movement work together, and it aims to find new treatments that could help reduce falls for those living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10931695 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind falls in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), focusing on how attention and motor control interact. Using a rodent model, the study examines the role of specific brain signaling pathways that may contribute to impaired gait and balance. Researchers will explore how treatments targeting these pathways can reduce fall rates, providing insights that could lead to new therapies for PD patients. The approach includes behavioral assessments and pharmacological interventions to understand the underlying causes of falls in PD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience frequent falls.
Not a fit: Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not experience falls or have other unrelated mobility issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of falls in Parkinson's disease patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the relationship between attention and motor control in Parkinson's disease, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berridge, Kent C. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Berridge, Kent C.
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.