Understanding brain development in young people at risk for Huntington's Disease
Growth and Development of Striatal-Cerebellum Circuitry in Subjects At Risk for Huntington's Disease
This study is trying to see how the brains of young people aged 6 to 30 with a family history of Huntington's Disease change over time before any symptoms appear.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Iowa Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (Sacramento, California and 5 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT01860339 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the neurodevelopmental changes in individuals aged 6 to 30 years who have a family history of Huntington's Disease (HD) and carry the gene expansion associated with the condition. By examining the structural changes in the brain of these individuals, the study seeks to determine how early these changes occur before the onset of clinical symptoms. The research will focus on understanding the role of the Huntingtin gene in brain development and how its mutation may affect cognitive, psychiatric, and motor functions. The findings could provide insights into the etiology of HD and inform future interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 6 to 30 years with a family history of Huntington's Disease and an understanding of their personal risk.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a family history of Huntington's Disease or are outside the age range of 6 to 30 years may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier detection and intervention strategies for individuals at risk of developing Huntington's Disease.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on Huntington's Disease, this specific focus on neurodevelopmental changes in at-risk youth is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Family history of Huntington's Disease * Age 6-30 years * Age-appropriate knowledge of HD and personal risk Exclusion Criteria: * Metal in body, including braces * History of head trauma, brain tumor, seizures, epilepsy * History of major surgery and/or significant ongoing medical issue(s)
Where this trial is running
Sacramento, California and 5 other locations
- University of California Davis — Sacramento, California, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Psychiatry — Iowa City, Iowa, United States (Recruiting)
- Columbia University Medical Center — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with the University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Peggy C Nopoulos, MD — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Study Staff
- Email: change-hd@uiowa.edu
- Phone: 866-514-0858
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.