Understanding how cholinergic dysfunction affects spatial orientation in Parkinson's disease
Udall Catalyst Research Project: Retrosplenial Cholinergic and Attentional-Motor Integration Dysfunction
This study is looking at how certain brain signals affect navigation skills in people with Parkinson's disease, hoping to find ways to help improve their ability to get around and understand where they are.
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-10931701 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of cholinergic inputs in the retrosplenial cortex, a brain region crucial for spatial orientation, particularly in patients with Parkinson's disease. It aims to understand how deficits in acetylcholine affect the ability to navigate and link external cues to self-orientation. The study will explore the connections between the retrosplenial cortex and other brain areas involved in attention and motor planning, using advanced imaging techniques to assess brain activity during navigation tasks. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving spatial orientation in affected patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience spatial disorientation and have not responded adequately to dopamine replacement therapy.
Not a fit: Patients without Parkinson's disease or those who do not exhibit spatial disorientation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance spatial orientation and navigation abilities in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that targeting cholinergic dysfunction can improve cognitive and motor functions in related conditions.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahmed, Omar Jamil — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Ahmed, Omar Jamil
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.