View clinical trials related to Neurodegenerative Diseases.
Filter by:The purpose of this protocol is to allow for the careful evaluation of healthy volunteers and individuals with risk for psychiatric disorders or neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder for specific protocols at NIH.
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis are recognized as a major health concern at the present time. There is information in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies regarding the role of brain iron in normal brain aging that may be enhanced with the use of better scanning equipment and procedures, and by correlating this information with clinical data. This research study aims to develop and evaluate a number of techniques that can potentially improve the effectiveness of three tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging of neurodegenerative brain disorders.
Patients with different types of dementia will be recruited and evaluated in national hospital departments for their usual neurological follow-ups. A blood sample will be proposed in the field of this research project, and the biological material will be stored at the DNA and Cell Bank of Institut de Fédératif Recherche (IFR) of Neurosciences (Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris). The clinical research network is already set up for Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementias, which permits an evaluation according to a clinical standardized protocol. Among these disorders, a monogenic sub-group has been identified. In Alzheimer's disease, it is associated with the APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 genes, which account only for 75% of the familial forms with early onset. In frontotemporal dementias, the tau gene mutations account only for 10% of the cases with an autosomal dominant inheritance. The identification of familial forms with a genetic inquiry in the relatives is essential for a greater knowledge of the molecular bases of forms not caused by the known genes, using linkage approaches and candidate gene analysis. The familial forms are also useful for identifying the modifier genes. In the multifactorial forms, the aim is to assemble a wide cohort of patients and controls matched for localizing and identifying susceptibility genetic factors. The strategies will use a candidate gene approach, and in the near future, studies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spread out in the whole genome. Meanwhile, similar approaches, particularly with candidate genes, could be used for identifying predictive factors of tolerance and response to the treatment. Finally, correlations will be performed with seric markers according to each kind of dementia. Specialized clinical teams in diagnosis and follow-up in dementias are assembled for this project, and in the study of neurological disorders of genetic origin.
This study will examine the origin and development of certain neurological diseases involving abnormal metabolism. A significant number of patients with progressive neurological disorders have not been diagnosed despite extensive workups. Lack of a specific diagnosis may amplify the distress of both the patient and family and decrease the chance of obtaining effective therapy. This study will try to advance the diagnosis and management of such patients. Patients with a metabolic neurological disease of unknown cause or one which presents an unusual or difficult management problem may be eligible for this study. This study does not include patients with known or suspected leukodystrophy. Participants will undergo various procedures, including physical and neurologic examinations, blood and urine tests, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the extent and severity of disease. MRI scanning uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show structural and chemical changes in the brain. During the procedure, the patient lies on a table in a narrow cylinder containing a magnetic field. He or she can speak with a staff member via an intercom system at all times during the procedure. Patients will also have a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to examine the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which bathes the brain and spinal cord. To obtain the fluid, a local anesthetic is administered and a needle is inserted in the space between the bones in the lower back where the CSF circulates below the spinal cord. A small amount of fluid is collected through the needle. Although spinal fluid will not be examined regularly, this test may be requested during some clinic visits. X-rays, nuclear medicine scans and consultations may be obtained as needed. Other tests may include electroencephalograms (brain wave recordings), psychological tests, and speech and language and rehabilitation evaluations. A skin biopsy may be done to grow cells in culture for metabolic and genetic testing and to analyze the skin under a microscope. For the biopsy, an area of skin is numbed with an anesthetic and a small circular area is removed, using a sharp cookie cutter-type instrument. First degree relatives (parents, children or siblings) of patients with a metabolic disorder of unknown cause will be asked to provide a blood sample for DNA studies to try to identify genetic basis of the disorder. The study is expected to continue for 3 years, with yearly monitoring of patients for changes in neurological, ophthalmological and general medical status.
This study is designed to determine whether dextromethorphan, a drug commonly found in cough medicine, is beneficial and safe for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other diseases that might share biochemical abnormalities with Parkinson's disease. Patients with Parkinson's disease are missing the chemical neurotransmitter dopamine. This occurs as a result of destructive changes in an area of the brain responsible for making dopamine, the basal ganglia. Rhythmical muscular tremors, rigidity of movement, shuffling footsteps, droopy posture, and a mask-like expression on the face characterize Parkinson's disease. Researchers believe that dextromethorphan may be able to safely modify psychomotor function of patients with Parkinson's Disease.