Brain imaging to map a newly discovered motor-control network in Parkinson's disease.
Precision Neuroimaging of Parkinson's Disease
Using MRI, researchers will see if a newly discovered brain network called the Somato-Cognitive Action Network (SCAN) is altered in people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT07024875 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study uses advanced MRI, including resting-state functional connectivity, to map connections between deep subcortical structures and a newly described cortical network called the Somato-Cognitive Action Network (SCAN). Researchers will compare connectivity patterns in people with Parkinson's disease to healthy control participants to identify subcortical-to-SCAN changes. The work focuses on connections relevant to gait, initiation of action, autonomic function, and arousal, which are often impaired in Parkinson's. If SCAN is found to be consistently altered, it would define a specific cortical circuit linked to disease symptoms and future neuromodulation targets.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease who do not meet dementia criteria, can tolerate MRI scanning, and pass the study's medical and safety screening are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with dementia, other major neurological or psychiatric disorders, serious uncontrolled medical conditions, or MRI contraindications (such as incompatible implants, claustrophobia, or weight above the scanner limit) are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify SCAN as a specific brain circuit to target with future neuromodulation therapies, potentially improving movement, gait, and related nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Resting-state and task-based fMRI have previously detected Parkinson's-related circuit changes, but targeting the newly described SCAN in PD is a novel application of these methods.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Must meet specific health and cognitive criteria depending on the group. For PD participants * Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease * Must not meet dementia criteria For Healthy Control Participants * Normal or benign neurological exam * Normal cognition * No first-degree relatives with Parkinson's Disease Exclusion Criteria: 1. Neurological Disorders (other than PD) \- Any other neurological condition 2. Significant Head Injury * Head injury with loss of consciousness \>5 minutes * Or any neurological sequelae 3. Psychiatric Disorders * Schizophrenia * Bipolar Disorder * Epilepsy 4. Serious Medical Conditions * End-stage organ failure * Ongoing cancer treatment 5. Cognitive Impairment * Diagnosis of dementia * MMSE score \<24 or MoCA score \<21 6. MRI contraindications * Metal implants * claustrophobia * Weight over 300 lbs (due to weight restrictions of the MRI scanner)
Where this trial is running
St Louis, Missouri
- East Imaging Building — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Evan Gordon, PhD — Washington University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Danny Bower
- Email: bower@wustl.edu
- Phone: 314-273-4429
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.