Plasticity of Motor Systems in Early Stage Parkinson's Disease
University of Minnesota
Summary
The purpose of this project is to increase our understanding of the early state and temporal evolution of neuroplastic changes in the cortex and subthalamic nucleus (STN) of people with PD, and the relationship of these changes to the emergence and expression of PD motor and non-motor signs. Neurophysiological biomarkers derived from this work may be important for the early detection and prediction of progression of disease. They can also provide the means to assess the efficacy of interventions designed to prevent or slow disease progression.
Description
This project will use neuroimaging (7T MRI: structural, diffusion and rest-state functional MRI), from Dr. Noam Harel's protocol IRB# STUDY00008096, and non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS: PAS. SAI) techniques to quantify structural and functional changes in brain function. The TMS experiment will use a Magstim Bistimn 2002 transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) unit and standard figure-of-eight coil (70 mm diameter) to deliver stimulation on the surface of the scalp. Stimulation will be delivered using either a single pulse or with a paired-pulse protocol (two stimuli, through the same TMS…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: Participants with PD * Diagnosis of idiopathic PD, as determined by a movement disorders neurologist in accordance with the PD Society Brain Bank diagnostic criteria * Not receiving levodopa or dopamine agonist to treat PD (at baseline) * Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (e.g. cane) for 50 meters Healthy Controls * Age- (+/- 3 years) and sex-matched to participants with PD * Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (e.g. cane) for 50 meters Exclusion Criteria: * Dementia diagnosis and/or a University of C…
Interventions
- Diagnostic TestNeuroimaging
This project will use neuroimaging (7T MRI: structural, diffusion and rest-state functional MRI) and non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS: PAS. SAI) techniques to quantify structural and functional changes in brain function.
- Diagnostic TestQuantitative assessments
Quantitative assessments of motor function (gait, gait initiation, reactive balance, bradykinesia, repetitive alternating movements, rigidity, stop-signal reaction time), and neuropsychological function
Location
- University of MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota