Clinical Research Directory

Cerebellar Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) to Modulate Parkinson's Disease Tremor

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by different motor symptoms, including tremor, which is particularly difficult to manage. Common treatments, such as dopaminergic therapy, can have limitations in efficacy. Recent advancements in non-invasive brain stimulation, specifically phase-adaptive transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), offer a promising approach to reduce PD tremor. In the current project, a newly developed closed-loop system delivers precisely synchronized cerebellar tACS by aligning stimulation with the intrinsic hand tremor signal. The study will assess the efficacy of this novel approach to reduce hand tremor in PD patients.

Biofluid Research on Age-Related or Inherited Neurodegeneration

The aim of this study is to contribute to and continue to sustain a repository of blood samples, nucleic acid (DNA and/or RNA) samples, family history information, and other demographic information from individuals with age-related neurodegenerative conditions, or their family members who may or may not be at risk for similar conditions. This study will continue to further expand research into the molecular and genetic basis of these diseases and their risk factors.

A Study to Evaluate Satety, Tolerability, Biodistribution, Radiation Dosimetry, and Pharmacokinetics of SST001 in Healthy Volunteers, Patients With PD and Patients With MSA

The non-randomized, open-label phase I study aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, biodistribution, radiation dosimetry, and pharmacokinetics of SST001 in healthy volunteers, patients with MSA and patients with PD.

A Comprehensive, Multimodal Characterization of Prodromal PD in Subjects With RBD

Comprehensive characterization of early-stage Parkinson's disease in patients with REM sleep behavior disorder Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, significantly affecting quality of life and causing substantial social and economic burdens. Currently, treatments for Parkinson's disease primarily manage symptoms through medication and lifestyle changes but cannot stop disease progression. By the time Parkinson's disease is diagnosed, substantial nerve-cell loss has already occurred in specific brain areas. Identifying early signs of PD before symptoms fully develop is essential for improving future treatment strategies. This research project aims to deeply understand the earliest stages of Parkinson's disease by studying patients with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). RBD is a condition characterized by unusual movements or behaviors during dream sleep, caused by nerve-cell loss in the brainstem. Importantly, more than 80% of individuals with RBD eventually develop Parkinson's disease or related conditions, such as Dementia with Lewy Bodies or Multiple System Atrophy. Study Goals: Our study will examine multiple potential biomarkers (measurable indicators) that could help identify early stages of Parkinson's disease. These include: 1. Brain structure changes: The Investigators will use advanced imaging methods (7-Tesla MRI) to closely examine specific brain regions known to be affected early in Parkinson's disease, particularly the substantia nigra and the locus coeruleus (LC). The LC helps regulate sleep and wakefulness, and studies have shown it is damaged in patients with RBD and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, the investigators will use specialized imaging (Pe2i-PET and MIBG-scintigraphy) to measure dopamine availability and changes in heart nerve function. 2. Abnormal protein buildup (ɑ-synuclein): In Parkinson's disease, nerve-cell death is linked to abnormal clumping of a protein called ɑ-synuclein within cells. Detecting this abnormal protein buildup early might help identify who is at risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The investigators aim to explore how levels of ɑ-synuclein aggregation relate to other early signs of the disease. 3. Functional changes in brain and body: Polysomnography, an overnight sleep test recording brain (EEG) and heart (ECG) activity, is the best method for diagnosing RBD. The investigators will also measure brain activity during wakefulness to further understand early changes. 4. Symptoms and physical tests: Participants will undergo thorough clinical assessments, including motor and cognitive tests, as well as tests evaluating autonomic (automatic nervous system) function, such as cardiovascular responses using a tilt-table test. Together, these extensive assessments will provide a detailed understanding of how Parkinson's disease begins and progresses. This knowledge can greatly improve early diagnosis, allowing earlier and potentially more effective treatments for individuals at high risk. Study Design: The investigators will recruit: * 50 individuals diagnosed with REM sleep behavior disorder * 50 control participants without major psychiatric or neurological disease, matched by age and gender THe investigation team have a complete, detailed plan and will begin collecting data as soon as ethical approval is granted. Main Hypotheses: Although our extensive data will allow many analyses, the investigation team specifically predict: * Individuals with RBD will show more significant damage in the locus coeruleus compared to controls. * Greater damage in the locus coeruleus will correlate with more severe cognitive issues, sleep problems, and autonomic dysfunction. * Cognitive issues in RBD patients might correlate with specific patterns of damage in different parts of the locus coeruleus. For example, memory problems might be linked to more damage in the front (rostral) part of this region. Impact: This study will significantly enhance early detection of Parkinson's disease, paving the way for personalized medical approaches and potentially more effective treatments. Conducted by a multidisciplinary team of experts in brain imaging, sleep medicine, autonomic function, and protein aggregation, this research supports Denmark's leadership in precision clinical imaging and aligns closely with hospital research strategies aimed at understanding and treating chronic diseases. Ultimately, our goal is to improve personalized patient care for Parkinson's disease in the future.

AAV2-hAADC for Parkinson's Disease (PDCS-01)

This study is looking at whether a gene therapy called AAV2-hAADC is safe and may help people with Parkinson's Disease. AAV2-hAADC is intended to increase the levels of dopamine in your brain. It contains a virus called adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) that has been modified to carry the genetic code for an enzyme called Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase, or AADC for short. In this study, AAV2-hAADC is delivered to two parts of the brain called the putamen and the caudate. Increasing the amount of AADC gene in these parts of the brain converts more levodopa into dopamine, the chemical that is lacking in PD.

A Novel Digital Music-based Autonomous Personalized Walking Intervention to Improve Gait and Walking Automaticity in Parkinson Disease

The purpose of this research study is to examine the effects of a 3-month personalized community-based walking program using a digital music-based device designed for self-directed gait training in people with Parkinson disease (PD). The study uses music cues delivered through this digital device to improve walking outcomes. The investigators want to know if personalized music cueing through the digital device can improve walking quality, walking ability, daily walking amount and intensity, and quality of life, while helping walking feel more automatic and require less mental effort. Participants will take part in this research study for approximately 18 weeks in total. During this time, participants will complete 4 study visits at designated research centers at Boston University, Washington University in St. Louis, or the University of Utah, depending on the site of enrollment.

STN-tTIS With Different Intervention Intervals Versus Standard Medical Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy and safety of different Intervention Intervals of subthalamic nucleus-targeted transcranial temporal interference stimulation (STN-tTIS) in patients with Parkinson disease. Previous studies suggest that STN-tTIS may improve motor symptoms in people with Parkinson disease. However, most previous studies evaluated only one stimulation session. It remains unclear how often STN-tTIS should be administered during a repeated treatment course and whether shorter intervention intervals stimulation produces greater or longer-lasting improvement without increasing adverse events. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. Does STN-tTIS administered five times weekly improve motor symptoms more than standard medication treatment alone at the end of the 2-week treatment period? 2. Do once-weekly, twice-weekly, and five-times-weekly STN-tTIS produce different changes in motor symptoms? 3. Does the STN-tTIS intervention intervals influence how long its effects persist after treatment? 4. Do the different intervention intervals have different effects on non-motor symptoms, quality of life, cognitive function, and safety? Participants will be randomly assigned to receive STN-tTIS once weekly, twice weekly, or five times weekly for 2 weeks, or to continue standard antiparkinsonian medication without additional stimulation. All participants will maintain a stable medication regimen during the study. Their motor and non-motor symptoms will be assessed during the treatment period and during a subsequent 2-week follow-up period.

A Phase I Study in Healthy Volunteers and Parkinson's Disease (PD) Patients.

The goal of this trial is to learn if MTX325 can be developed as a potential disease-modifying treatment for Parkinson's Disease. Parts 1-4 complete, Part 5 (multiple doses in patients with Parkinson's Disease) in progress.

A Phase 2 Study to Assess the Effects of SUL-238 on High Energy Phosphates With ³¹P-MRS in Patients With Early, Untreated Parkinson's Disease

The main goal of the study is to investigate how well the new drug SUL-238 works in Parkinson's Disease (PD). This is done by means of an MRS scan. An MRS scan is similar to a regular MRI scan. It will also learn about the safety of new drug SUL-238. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does new drug SUL-238 improve the mitochondrial function in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD)? * What medical problems do participants have when taking new drug SUL-238? Researchers will compare new drug SUL-238 to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if SUL-238 works to improve mitochondrial function in patients with PD. Participants will: * Take new drug SUL-238 or a placebo every day for 28 days * Visit the clinic once every 2 weeks for checkups and tests during the treatment period and finally 28 days after the last dose of SUL-238 * Keep a diary of their symptoms and the number of times they use oral new drug SUL-238

LIFUS For Neurological Disorders

Low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) has the potential to be used as a means of non-invasive neuro-modulation. To this day, the use of LIFUS is under investigation. Studies in healthy subjects have shown that application of LIFUS to the motor region of the brain can mildly decrease neuron excitability in healthy controls. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of LIFUS on brain tissue excitability in patients with movement disorders in order to elucidate the therapeutic potential of LIFUS.

Phase Ⅲ Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of TJ0113 Capsules in Patients With Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease

This study is a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled Phase III clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and Pop PK characteristics of TJ0113 Capsules in treating EOPD patients. This study plans to enroll approximately 300 EOPD participants, who will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to two cohorts (Cohort 1: 200 mg dose group; Cohort 2: 400 mg dose group). Within each cohort, successfully screened participants will be stratified by stable use of dopamine receptor agonists (Yes vs. No) and stable use of Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors (Yes vs. No), and within each stratum, randomized in a 2:1 ratio to the TJ0113 Capsules group and the placebo group, with approximately 100 assigned to the TJ0113 Capsules group and approximately 50 assigned to the placebo group. In this trial, the sample size for the TJ0113 Capsules 200 mg group, TJ0113 Capsules 400 mg group, and placebo group will each be approximately 100 participants. After randomization, during the double-blind treatment period, participants will receive continuous oral administration of TJ0113 Capsules or placebo for 26 weeks. After the double-blind treatment ends, participants will enter the open-label treatment period. During the open-label treatment period, all participants will receive oral TJ0113 Capsules for 26 weeks, and the dose of TJ0113 Capsules will be consistent with the dose of the investigational product taken by the participant during the double-blind treatment period (regardless of whether they took TJ0113 Capsules or placebo during the double-blind treatment period). After the open-label treatment period ends, participants will continue to receive a safety follow-up for 1 week (telephone follow-up). From the screening period to the end of the double-blind treatment period, all participants must maintain their original background anti-PD medication regimen unchanged; from the open-label treatment period to the end of the study, changes to the dose of stably received anti-PD medications are discouraged, but if necessary, the dose may be adjusted at the discretion of the investigator.

The Influence of Vibrotactile Stimulation on Self-selected Walking Speed in People With Parkinson's Disease

The study tests whether a smart shoe (NUSHU) that provides vibrotactile stimulation can improve walking speed in people with Parkinson's disease. Sixteen participants complete two short walking tests-with and without vibration-to compare gait speed, cadence, stride length, usability, and safety. It is a low-risk pilot study meant to generate first evidence for future research.

Music Therapy in Parkinson's Disease

This study aims to examine whether individual music therapy - involving the slow, gentle bowing of a string instrument, accompanied by the music therapist's singing and lyre playing - can have a relaxing and calming effect on patients with Parkinson's disease and improve anxiety, quality of life, and autonomic dysfunction such as unstable blood pressure. People with Parkinson's disease often struggle with anxiety, apathy, and depression, which can severely affect their quality of life. These symptoms are usually difficult to treat adequately with medication. They are frequently associated with dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and a reduced variability of heart rate. Both are common in Parkinson's disease and can provide clues about stress and well-being. A healthy heart does not beat at completely regular intervals; instead, the time between beats constantly changes slightly. This fluctuation is called heart rate variability (HRV). Primary study outcome will be anxiety. Motivation, depression, individual quality of life, and severity of autonomic symptoms are also assessed using validated questionnaires. Physical study measures will be HRV, along with stability of blood pressure, intensity of tremor, ability to walk, and also electroencephalography (EEG) to assess brain activity. A subproject will explore whether listening to emotionally evocative music can specifically influence the brain in patients with Parkinson's disease (as measured by EEG) and autonomic functions (as measured by HRV). The effectiveness of an emotional response will be measured by a questionnaire (the Geneva Emotional Music Scale).

Adapted Physical Activity and Tango-Based Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this clinical research is to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured Tango-based (Riabilitango®) therapy compared to a conventional Motor Reconditioning program and a Control group in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. The study assesses changes in motor performance, balance, gait kinematics, functional strenght, and health-related quality of life over a 3-month intervention period and a 3-month post-intervention follow-up.

Effectiveness of Resistance Exercises Added to Aerobic and Balance Exercises in Parkinson's Disease

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of resistive exercises added to aerobic and balance exercises on quality of life, activities of daily living, cognitive functions, and sarcopenia parameters in patients diagnosed with early-stage PD. The main question it aims to answer is: In patients diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's disease, do resistive exercises added to aerobic and balance exercises have an effect on quality of life, daily living activities, cognitive function, and sarcopenia parameters? If so, what is the nature of this effect? Patients will undergo an exercise program three days a week for eight weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, on the first day after the treatment and 4 weeks after the end of the treatment.

Efficacy of LSVT-LOUD Therapy on Voice, Speech, and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease often causes speech and voice impairments, such as reduced vocal loudness and decreased speech intelligibility, which significantly impact the quality of life for patients and their families. The Lee Silverman Voice Therapy-LOUD (LSVT-LOUD) is a specialized, evidence-based speech therapy protocol designed to improve vocal function. This study investigates the effectiveness of the LSVT-LOUD protocol in Turkish-speaking individuals with Parkinson's disease. The research evaluates objective changes in vocal loudness and speech quality, as well as the subjective therapy experiences of participants. By analyzing both clinical outcomes and patient feedback, this study aims to contribute to the clinical application and adaptation of LSVT-LOUD for the Turkish-speaking population

Open-label Study to Evaluate Brain α-Synuclein Deposition Using PET and [18F]MK-0947 in Parkinson's Disease

This clinical study is being conducted to learn more about a new imaging drug called \[18F\]MK-0947, which is designed to help doctors see changes in the brain related to Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a condition that affects movement, balance, and thinking. The drug works with a type of scan called PET (Positron Emission Tomography) to show areas of the brain where a protein called α-synuclein builds up. This buildup is linked to PD and other brain disorders. The main goal of this study is to find out if \[18F\]MK-0947 is safe for people and if it works well to show α-synuclein in the brain. The study will also look at how the drug moves through the body and how much radiation it gives off. Researchers hope this information will help develop better tools for diagnosing PD and tracking how it changes over time. Who can join? Adults who have PD or who are healthy may be able to take part. Participants will have screening tests to make sure they qualify. What does participation involve? People in the study will have PET scans, blood tests, and other safety checks. Some participants will also have an MRI scan. The study is divided into two parts: Part 1 looks at how the drug works in the brain of PD patients and healthy elderly participants, and Part 2 measures radiation levels in healthy participants. Why is this important? There is currently no cure for PD, and better imaging tools could help researchers develop new treatments. By joining this study, participants will help advance research that may improve care for people with PD and similar conditions in the future.

ZR001 Chemogenetics Gene Therapy Study in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

This study aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of ZR001, a novel chemogenetic gene therapy product, in patients with moderately advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). ZR001 is administered via stereotactic injection into the bilateral substantia nigra, followed by postoperative ultra-low-dose clozapine to activate the transduced direct pathway, with the goal of improving motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

A Study of Buntanetap in Participants With PD

This study will examine the long-term safety of buntanetap in participants with PD. This will be a 36-month open-label safety study. This study will be conducted with two cohorts. Cohort 1 will enroll via invitation only for PD participants who have previously participated in buntanetap clinical trials. Cohort 2 will be for PD participants who are receiving deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment. Qualified participants will receive buntanetap 30mg QD after a screening period of up to 42 days.

The Efficacy of Psilocybin Therapy for Depression in Parkinson's Disease

The purpose of this study is to understand whether people with Parkinson's Disease and depression have improvement in their symptoms after psilocybin therapy.

A Study of Dimdazenil in Patients With Parkinson's Disease and Insomnia

This study will use sleep parameters measured by polysomnography (PSG) as the primary means to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dimdazenil, a GABAA receptor partial agonist, in treating insomnia in Parkinson's disease patients.

Moving Yourself in Space and Time: MYSTIC

This study is being done to answer the question: Do people with Parkinson's benefit from a new stepping therapy, and how do people with Parkinson's best learn new steps and rhythms set to music? Researchers will also compare individuals with Parkinson's Disease with people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, and with people with neither of these conditions. The purpose of this study is to identify principles of human-music interactions to establish underlying guiding theories for application to music-based rehabilitation for older populations with neurodegenerative disease, leading to more refined and targeted music-based rhythmic movement therapies.

Coordinated Reset Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical implant procedure for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease (PD) utilizing medical devices approved by the FDA. A novel approach to current DBS approaches is called "Coordinated Reset" DBS (CR-DBS) which uses different patterns of stimulation at lower currents and can address the limitations of traditional DBS (T-DBS) that uses continuous high amplitude and high frequency stimulation. This study will evaluate the safety and short-term efficacy of CR-DBS in PD. The results from this study will significantly advance the development of CR-DBS for the treatment of PD. Findings in this study will also provide the rationale for further development of this novel DBS approach for other neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The Effects of Tele-Rehabilitation-Based Dual-Task Upper Extremity Training in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of tele-rehabilitation-based synchronous and asynchronous dual-task upper extremity training with clinical based dual-task upper extremity training and conventional single-task upper extremity training in patients with Parkinson's disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Whether there are differences in motor symptoms, hand dexterity, upper extremity functions, grip strength, executive functions, daily living activities, and treatment satisfaction between tele-rehabilitation-based synchronous and asynchronous dual-task upper extremity training, clinical-based dual-task upper extremity training, and conventional single-task upper extremity training in patients with Parkinson's disease. * Whether there is a difference in telemedicine satisfaction between tele-rehabilitation-based synchronous and asynchronous dual-task upper extremity training in patients with Parkinson's disease. Researchers will compare conventional single-task upper extremity training, clinical-based dual-task upper extremity training, tele-rehabilitation-based synchronous upper extremity training and tele-rehabilitation-based asynchronous upper extremity training. Participants will: * Receive upper extremity exercise training at the study clinic or home, twice a week for approximately 60 minutes each time, for 6 weeks. * Participate in assessments at the study clinic before and after exercise training.