Using Varenicline to Reduce Falls in People with Parkinson's Disease
Reducing falls with Varenicline in Hypocholinergic Parkinson disease
This study is looking at how a medication called Varenicline might help people with Parkinson's Disease stay steady on their feet and avoid falls by improving their focus and walking.
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-10980205 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of Varenicline, a medication that targets specific receptors in the brain, to help reduce the risk of falls in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Falls are a significant concern for people with PD, often leading to serious health complications. The study aims to understand how Varenicline can improve attention and gait, which are critical factors in preventing falls. Participants will be monitored for changes in their cognitive function and mobility as part of the treatment process.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with moderate-stage Parkinson's Disease who experience cognitive impairments and are at risk of falling.
Not a fit: Patients with Parkinson's Disease who do not have significant cognitive impairments or those in advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the incidence of falls in patients with Parkinson's Disease, improving their quality of life and reducing hospitalizations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using similar approaches to enhance cognitive function and reduce fall risk in patients with Parkinson's Disease.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kotagal, Vikas — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Kotagal, Vikas
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.