Investigating dementia types in Parkinson's disease using brain imaging
Official title: Investigations of Dementia in Parkinson Disease
Run by Washington University School of Medicine · NCT02763683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 320 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 2016 |
| Main results expected | March 2030 |
| Study ends | March 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT02763683 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who exhibit specific motor symptoms.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant neurological or psychiatric conditions other than Parkinson's disease or dementia may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies using similar imaging techniques have shown promise in understanding dementia, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Finding a biomarker for Parkinson's disease using imaging techniques
This study is trying to find a specific marker for Parkinson's disease by using advanced brain imaging techniques on people with genetic mutations linked to the condition.
-
Understanding serotonin release in Parkinson's disease
This study is trying to find a way to see changes in the brain of people with Parkinson's disease to help develop new treatments that could slow down the symptoms.
-
Investigating biomarkers for Parkinson's disease using advanced imaging techniques
This study is trying to find a marker for Parkinson's disease by using advanced brain scans to see how the disease affects brain chemistry and structure over time.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.