Cholinergic Mechanisms of Gait Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease — UDALL  

Parkinson's Disease Clinical Trial

Official title: Cholinergic Mechanisms of Gait Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease - Clin Core/Proj#2

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Balance and gait problems cause severe impairments for people with Parkinson's disease In some Parkinson's disease patients the investigators see a loss of acetylcholine in the brain. In previous studies the investigators have shown that this loss of acetylcholine is related to impaired balance and gait function in Parkinson's disease. In this study the investigators will take a closer look at this finding.

Clinical Trial Description

Balance and gait problems cause severe impairments for people with Parkinson's disease and significantly affect their quality of life. Several changes occur in the brains of Parkinson's disease patients. The hallmark change is a loss of a neurotransmitter ("chemical messenger" between brain cells) called dopamine. To alleviate Parkinson's disease symptoms doctors prescribe dopamine replacement therapy, for example Sinemet (levodopa). Although effective for some of the symptoms, it typically does not sufficiently alleviate balance and gait problems. This study focuses on other changes in the brain that occur in Parkinson's disease that may contribute to balance and gait problems. In particular we will be looking at another neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. In some Parkinson's disease patients we see a loss of acetylcholine in the brain. In previous studies we have shown that this loss of acetylcholine is related to impaired balance and gait function in Parkinson's disease. In this study we will take a closer look at this finding. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Parkinson Disease
• Parkinson's Disease

• NCT number: NCT02458430
• Study type: Observational
• Source: University of Michigan
• Status: Completed
• Start date: January 5, 2015
• Completion date: December 2020