Clinical Research Directory

Early Molecular Biomarkers for Differentiating Parkinsonian Syndromes

This prospective observational study aims to identify and preliminarily validate molecular biomarkers, including microRNAs and metabolites, for the early differentiation of Parkinson's disease (PD) from atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS). The study will enroll up to 100 patients with PD, 50 patients with suspected APS, and 50 healthy controls. Participants will undergo clinical assessments and provide blood, urine, and stool samples at baseline and after 12-18 months of follow-up. Molecular analyses, including microRNA profiling, metabolomics, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and microbiome analysis, will be performed to identify disease-specific diagnostic signatures. The primary objective is to detect differences in molecular profiles among patients with PD, patients with APS, and healthy controls. Secondary objectives include evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of biomarker panels and assessing longitudinal changes in these biomarkers over time. Although participants will not receive direct therapeutic benefits, the study may contribute to the development of non-invasive tools for the early diagnosis and improved differentiation of parkinsonian disorders.

Speech Amplification Devices for Parkinson Disease: Talker- and Technology-Driven Enhancements

The proposed research aims to investigate the use of speech amplification devices as a potential treatment option for people with Parkinson's disease and related disorders who exhibit hypophonia, a voice disorder that affects over half of those with Parkinson's disease. By characterizing the acoustic and perceptual effects of speech amplification and identifying ways to optimize outcomes through talker- and device-specific enhancements, this project seeks to develop personalized, evidence-based treatment options for hypophonia. The current proposal will move this effort forward by systematically eliciting and modifying speech amplification device output that leverage both behavioral and technological approaches.

AMX0035 and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

A35-009 (ORION) is a Phase 2b/3 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AMX0035 in participants with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), consisting of randomized, double blind placebo controlled phases, followed by an optional open-label extension phase.

Integrated Management of Atypical Parkinsonism: A Home-based Patient-Centered Healthcare Delivery Based on Telenursing (IMPACT Study)

This project aims to investigate whether an integrated model based on proactive and reactive telenursing monitoring coordinated by a parkinsonism nurse specialist (case manager) is able to improve care delivery and quality of life of patients with atypical parkinsonisms. This could reduce the risk (e.g. through health education counselling) and the severity of complications (e.g. falls). Main responsibilities of the Co-PI: project idea and supervision, coordination of the study, patient selection and recruitment, patient recruitment, participation in statistical analysis and drafting the manuscript. Co-PI is responsible of the rate of recruitment and drop-out

Standard Optimization of Stem Cells in Parkinson's Disease and Atypical Parkinsonism

The purpose of this study is to measure outcomes using intranasal and intravenous autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) for Parkinson Disease (PD) and Parkinson's Plus (PPS) patients.

Trial of Parkinson's And Zoledronic Acid

This home-based study is a randomized (1:1) placebo-controlled trial of a single infusion of zoledronic acid-5 mg (ZA) for the prevention of fractures in men and women aged 60 years and older with Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism with at least 2 years of follow-up. A total of 2650 participants will be enrolled and randomized in the United States. Participants, follow-up outcome assessors, and study investigators will be blinded to assigned study treatment. This trial is funded by the National Institute of Aging.

Proteinopathies Expression in Skin of Neurodegenerative Disorders

The goal of this observational study is to compare the aggregation pattern of proteinopathies (alpha-synuclein, amyloid-beta, phosphorylated tau and transactive response DNA -binding protein 43 \[TDP43\]) in skin biopsies of patients with a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobe dementia, Parkinson's disease, atypical Parkinsonism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or normal pressure hydrocephalus. The main question it aims to answer is: * Is there a specific pattern of aggregation of proteinopathies in skin biopsies in each neurodegenerative disease in comparison to healthy control subjects? Skin biopsies will be analyzed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for detection of alpha-synuclein, amyloid-beta, phosphorylated tau and TAR DNA binding protein 43, and the aggregation patterns will be compared between patients with a neurodegenerative disease vs patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus vs healthy control subjects.

Neurodegenerative Diseases Progression Markers (MARKERS-NDD)

MARKERS-NDD is a prospective, observational, longitudinal study, which aims to collect data from patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) followed longitudinally for routine examinations performed as part of normal clinical practice. Data collected from clinical evaluations, movement analysis, brain imaging, neuropsychological and electroencephalographic assessments, blood chemistry tests will be analysed to carry out statistical investigations and predictive analyses, also using artificial intelligence systems, which allow the identification of new early markers of diagnosis and prognosis of neurodegenerative diseases.

Biomarkers in Parkinsonian Syndromes

This is a prospective observational study to identify biomarkers in parkinson syndromes. Patients with parkinsonian syndromes at the early stages of disease will be recruited and will be followed up until their established clinical diagnosis or for at least 5 years. In this population, imaging and wet biomarkers as well as clinical data will b systematically collected.