Using gamma light to help Parkinson's patients with freezing of gait
Gamma Sensory Flicker for Parkinson's Disease Patients With Freezing of Gait
This study is testing if using special gamma light can help people with Parkinson's who have trouble walking by reducing brain amyloid levels and improving their movement.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06295458 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study assesses the safety and tolerability of gamma light exposure in patients with Parkinson's disease who experience freezing of gait (FOG). Participants will wear glasses and headphones connected to a device that delivers light and sound during daily sessions. The study aims to explore the relationship between amyloid levels in the brain and FOG, with the hypothesis that gamma light may help reduce amyloid and improve gait symptoms. It includes a sham-controlled design and optional lumbar punctures to analyze cerebrospinal fluid for amyloid changes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50-75 with a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and a history of freezing of gait.
Not a fit: Patients with atypical parkinsonism or those unable to walk independently may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive treatment option to improve mobility and reduce falls in Parkinson's patients with freezing of gait.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested that gamma light may effectively reduce amyloid levels, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * PD Diagnosis by UK Brain Bank Criteria * Hoehn \& Yahr stage I-IV in the off-state * FOG noted in medical history * FOG confirmed visually by the examiner in the office * PD that is levodopa-treated and responsive * Able to manage 12 hours of "OFF" dopaminergic medication state * Age 50-75 years * Able to sign a consent document and willing to participate in all aspects of the study Exclusion Criteria: * A diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism including vascular parkinsonism * Prior treatment with medications that cause Parkinsonism * Stage V PD -unable to walk independently when OFF * Absence of levodopa response * Neurological or orthopedic disorders interfering with gait * Dementia precluding completing study protocol including those meeting criteria for dementia with Lewy bodies * Major depression based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V) criteria * Any medical problems that would preclude participation, including individuals with a history of migraines, tinnitus, or seizures because sensory stimuli can potentially exacerbate these conditions. * Profound sensory loss as determined by the investigator.
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- Emory Movement Disorders Center — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stewart Factor, DO — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Barbara Sommerfeld, MSN, RN
- Email: bsommer@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-712-6997
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.