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.
Huntington's Disease Research Studies
- Huntington’s Disease Clinical Research Study
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We are currently enrolling patients in a research study about biomarkers in Huntington’s disease. The purpose of the study is to identify small molecules that can be measured in the blood and spinal fluid in order to determine the stage and severity of Huntington’s disease and whether or not a person has Huntington’s disease. Your participation in the study would involve 3-4 visits over 18-19 months.
Parkinson's Disease Research Studies
- 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.
- 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 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
- 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.
- Trial of Parkinson’s and Zoledronic Acid (TOPAZ) Study
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We are currently enrolling in the Trial of Parkinson’s and Zoledronic Acid (TOPAZ) Study for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or parkinsonism. 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.
You may qualify for this research study if you:
- Have Parkinson’s disease or another form of parkinsonism
- Are 60 years or older
- Have not had a hip fracture
Our site is enrolling people with PD who are patients of the University Hospitals Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center.
Please call Steven Gunzler, MD at 216-844-8685 for any questions.
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.