Movement Disorders Research
University Hospitals Neurological Institute’s Parkinson’s & Movement Disorders Center is using clinical research to quickly bring advances from the laboratory to the bedside.
Along with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, the center is working to refine current techniques and discover new treatments. Areas of investigation include:
- The establishment of the Case Western Reserve University Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative’s (CTSC) Parkinson’s disease phenotypic and genotypic registry to examine the genetic effects of the disease.
- Participation in the national BrainGate 2 study, which is examining the potential and ability of those suffering paralysis to control a computer cursor and other assistive devices with their thoughts.
- A Phase 4, open-label, efficacy and safety study of APOKYN® for rapid and reliable improvement of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease.
- A National Institutes of Health-sponsored study examining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) investigations of the effects of deep brain stimulation in dystonia.
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) investigations of Parkinson’s disease and the brain network changes involved in changes in the handling and perception of other parts of the body for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson's Disease Research Studies
- Effect of Covid19 on Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and Alzheimer’s Disease Study
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The purpose of this study is to identify changes on a skin punch biopsy or olfactory mucosa (tissue in the back of the nose) sampling, in which small pieces of skin are removed or a swab or brush is placed in the back of the nose, and then tissue is sent to the laboratory for examination. We are interested in learning how a previous Covid19 infection will affect someone’s neurological condition.
- Parkinson's Disease Dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies Study
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Parkinsonism can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages of the disease. This study is for participants between 40-89 years of age with with parkinsonism with or without memory and cognitive symptoms, including Parkinson’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, and dementia with Lewy bodies.
- Parkinson’s Disease Skin Biopsy Study
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We are currently enrolling in a clinical research study for patients with parkinsonism, including Parkinson’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Parkinsonism can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages of the disease. Skin biopsy could be a useful way to diagnose and measure the severity of these conditions. The purpose of the study is to identify changes on a skin punch biopsy, in which small pieces of skin are removed and sent to the laboratory for examination. Your participation will last between 1 and 2 years and will involve between 2 and 4 visits. Visits will include a physical exam, questionnaires, a memory test, a punch skin biopsy, and blood draw. We will also be looking to enroll volunteers to serve as “controls,” who do not have any neurological illness.
- You are 18-89 years old
- You have a diagnosis of any of the following: Parkinson’s Disease, multiple system atrophy, dementia with Lewy bodies, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, or no neurological condition (controls)
- You are not taking warfarin or other “anticoagulation” blood thinners
- PDGENE-PF Study
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The purpose of this study is to do genetic testing in Parkinson’s disease (PD) to investigate the role of genetics, help improve our understanding of PD and help participants and their clinicians understand their genetic status to improve care.
- PRISM Early-Stage Parkinson’s Disease Study
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The PRISM Parkinson’s Research Study is evaluating an investigational drug to determine if it might slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Patients who enroll in this study will receive the study drug weekly over a period of 36 weeks. Participants will have about 10 scheduled in-person visits at the study center and 5 scheduled telephone visits. Those who enroll can expect to be in the study for a total of 44 weeks.
- SPARX3 Study
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The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of two different levels of exercise intensity and to learn more about effects of aerobic exercise on people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study will help us better understand what exercise guidelines should be used in the future.
- Trial of Parkinson’s and Zoledronic Acid (TOPAZ) Study
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The purpose of the TOPAZ study is to determine whether zoledronic acid, an approved bone strengthening medication for osteoporosis, can prevent fractures and decrease the risk of dying in people with Parkinson’s disease and other parkinsonism. The information learned in this study will help doctors understand whether they should treat their patients with PD with zoledronic acid.
Cervical Dsytonia Research Studies
- Pain Localization in Different Subtypes of Cervical Dystonia
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University Hospitals is enrolling participants for an observational study to learn more about the patterns of pain cervical dystonia.