Non-invasive Brain Mapping for Parkinson's Disease

This trial aims to understand how different brain activities improve movement in people with Parkinson's disease. Using non-invasive brain mapping techniques like EEG and MRI, researchers hope to identify brain patterns that can aid in developing future treatments, especially for symptoms like freezing of gait. Participants will perform movement tasks while their brain activity is recorded. The trial seeks individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience symptoms like tremor or stiffness, as well as healthy adults without neurological conditions. As an unphased trial, participants have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to new treatment options.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research shows that the movement tasks studied for Parkinson's disease are non-invasive, meaning they don't involve surgery or implants. This differs from treatments like deep brain stimulation, which, while generally safe, carry known risks.

Specific safety data for these movement tasks is not yet available. Since the study is in an early phase, researchers are still assessing its safety and effectiveness. Early phases focus on safety, so any serious issues would likely halt the research.

Because the study uses movement tasks, it likely poses less risk than surgical treatments, suggesting fewer side effects or complications. Participants will perform tasks while their brain activity is recorded with EEG (a test that records brain waves) and MRI (a scan that uses magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and body).

Researchers are excited about this trial because it focuses on non-invasive brain mapping for Parkinson's disease. Unlike current treatments that primarily involve medication or surgery to manage symptoms, this approach aims to better understand brain activity and movement patterns in Parkinson's patients. By comparing these patterns with those of healthy individuals, researchers hope to gain insights that could lead to more precise and personalized treatment strategies. This non-invasive method could pave the way for innovative interventions that don't rely on drugs or invasive procedures, potentially improving quality of life for those affected by the disease.

Research has shown that understanding brain function can enhance movement in people with Parkinson's disease. Although specific data on movement tasks alone is lacking, studies on deep brain stimulation (DBS) have shown promising results for improving movement problems in Parkinson's patients. DBS has helped many patients move better and reduced their need for medication. These findings suggest that focusing on brain networks can help manage Parkinson's symptoms. This trial will include Parkinson's disease patients and healthy adult controls to identify which brain networks can be influenced to improve movement, potentially leading to new treatments.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰