Research Studies
PET study
We are studying the effect of certain Parkinson’s Disease medications on the brain.
What can you expect?
Computer Tasks
When you participate in a computer study, you will be asked to perform different tasks that measure thinking ability and reaction time. Tasks measuring reaction time will require you to make quick button presses with your left and right thumbs as you see objects appear on the computer screen. No computer experience is necessary to perform these tasks and rest breaks are provided frequently.
PET/MRI
For the Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, you will be asked to lie still while being scanned in the magnet for about 40 minutes for 1 session. For the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) study, you will be asked to lie still while being scanned in the machine for about 3 hours spread out throughout the day. This does require an injection.
Questionnaires
You will answer questions about your mood, daily activities, sleepiness, and about your medical history.
Eligibility:
- Males and Females
- Have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or an active older person who does not have a diagnosis of any neurological condition
Exclusion Criteria:
Under treatment with deep brain stimulation, jejunal levodopa, or subcutaneous apomorphine; standard MRI exclusion criteria, including: claustrophobia, any trauma or surgery which may have left ferromagnetic material in the body, ferromagnetic implants or pacemakers, inability to lie still.
Participants will be compensated for their time. Travel expenses are reimbursed for participants who have to travel more than 15 miles.
This study is currently enrolling.
For more detailed information on this study please contact:
Katie Hay, M.S.
Neuroscience Program Analyst
Phone: (615) 875-7403
Email: kaitlyn.r.hay@vumc.org
Moral Decision-Making in Parkinson’s Study
We are studying the effect of certain Parkinson’s Disease medications on the brain and how they effect moral and social decision making.
What can you expect?
Computer Tasks
When you participate in a computer study, you will be asked answer questions about how you would make moral and social decisions in certain situations. No computer experience is necessary to perform these tasks and rest breaks are provided frequently.
MRI
For the Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, you will be asked to lie still while being scanned in the magnet for about and hour and fifteen minutes, 20 minutes of which will be spent completing a computer task during the scan. This will take place over 2 sessions.
Questionnaires
You will answer questions about your mood, daily activities, sleepiness, and about your medical history. You will also answer some questions that will test your ability to do math, remember information, and solve puzzles.
Eligibility:
- Males and Females
- Have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or an active older person who does not have a diagnosis of any neurological condition
Exclusion Criteria:
Under treatment with deep brain stimulation, jejunal levodopa, or subcutaneous apomorphine; standard MRI exclusion criteria, including: claustrophobia, any trauma or surgery which may have left ferromagnetic material in the body, ferromagnetic implants or pacemakers, inability to lie still.
Participants will be compensated for their time. Travel expenses are reimbursed for participants who have to travel more than 15 miles.
Enrollment for this study will begin soon.
For more detailed information on this study please contact:
Katie Hay, M.S.
Neuroscience Program Analyst
Phone: (615) 875-7403
Email: kaitlyn.r.hay@vumc.org
Clinical Trials
ABBVIE Parkinson’s Study
The primary purpose of this phase III study is to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ABBV-951 versus oral CD/LD in advanced PD patients whose motor fluctuations are inadequately controlled by their current medications.
What can you expect?
ABBV-951 (carbidopa phosphate/levodopa phosphate [CDP/LDP]) is a highly soluble formulation of carbidopa/levodopa (CD/LD) that is deliverable by continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI). The study lasts for approximately 15 weeks and consists of a Screening Period, an Oral CD/LD Stabilization Period, and a Double-Blind Treatment Period. Visits consist of blood draws, urine collection, ECGs, cognitive testing, motor exams, and infusion site evaluation.
Enrollment for this study will begin soon.
For more detailed information on this study please contact:
Jason Elenberger
Clinical Translational Research Coordinator
Phone: (615) 875-1182
Email: jason.elenberger@vumc.org