Investigating dementia types in Parkinson's disease using brain imaging
Investigations of Dementia in Parkinson Disease
This study is trying to see if special brain scans can help identify different types of dementia in people with Parkinson's disease and find out who might be at risk.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 320 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT02763683 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to utilize advanced brain imaging techniques, specifically Pittsburgh B (PIB) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Vesicular Cholinergic Transport (VAT) PET, to identify different subtypes of dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). By including both PD patients and healthy subjects, the research seeks to determine which individuals with PD are at risk of developing dementia and to clarify the underlying causes of dementia. The study plans to enroll a total of 320 participants over a long-term period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who exhibit specific motor symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological or psychiatric conditions other than Parkinson's disease or dementia may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better identification and understanding of dementia in Parkinson's patients, potentially improving patient management and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies using similar imaging techniques have shown promise in understanding dementia, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * PD patients must exhibit three of the following cardinal signs: rest tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, or postural instability; or two of these features with one of the first three displaying asymmetry. Exclusion Criteria: * history of head trauma, major neurological or psychiatric diseases other than Parkinson disease and dementia, e.g. stroke, multiple sclerosis, depression or schizophrenia. * severe systemic diseases. * inability to lie still for 90 minutes. * metallic implants, pacemakers, or any other contraindication to MRI. * refusal to consent to brain donation.
Where this trial is running
St Louis, Missouri
- Washington University in St. Louis — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joel S Perlmutter, MD — Washington University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Andrea Slavik, RN, BSN
- Email: andreaslavik@wustl.edu
- Phone: 314 273 8313
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.