EMG Modules as a Novel Biomarker of Basal Ganglia Plasticity in Parkinson's Disease

This is an interventional screening trial for Parkinson focused on measuring Parkinson's Read More

Inclusion Criteria for Parkinson's volunteers:

1. Male and female, age 18-80
2. Motor symptoms only on one side of the body
3. No use of dopaminergic replacement therapy or other medication related to PD

Exclusion Criteria for Parkinson's volunteers:

1. Cognitive impairments that may interfere with understanding instructions as needed during the performance of the study (MMSE<23)
2. Subjects who are unable to perform arm reaching movements
3. Self-report of any condition that could affect walking
4. No fractures or skin lesions in the upper or lower limbs
5. Infectious diseases requiring contact precautions
6. Subjects with contraindications to MRI cannot participate (i.e., implanted metal including pacemakers, cerebral spinal fluid shunts, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants or metal/foreign objects in the eyes and those with a history of claustrophobia)
7. Pregnancy: If the possibility of pregnancy of a female participant cannot be excluded by: 1) surgical history (e.g., tubal ligation or hysterectomy) or 2) post menopausal status with a minimum of 1 year without menses, then a pregnancy test by stat serum testing must be performed on site the morning of any PET visit and the negative result is required prior to the administration or any radiopharmaceutical
8. Substance abuse within the past 2 years as it may alter neurotransmitter function
9. Active hematological, renal, pulmonary, endocrine or hepatic disorders
10. Evidence of cortical infarcts or strategically placed lacunar infarct (e.g. dorsal medial nucleus of thalamus)
11. Active cancer, metabolic encephalopathy, infection
12. Active cardiovascular disease, stroke, congestive heart failure
13. Diagnosis of MCI or dementia

Inclusion criteria for healthy volunteers:

1. Male and female, age 18-80
2. Age and gender-matched to PD patients
3. No use of dopaminergic replacement therapy or other medication related to PD

Exclusion criteria for healthy volunteers:

1. Cognitive impairments that may interfere with understanding instructions as needed during the performance of the study (MMSE<23)
2. Subjects who are unable to perform arm reaching movements
3. Self-report of any condition that could affect walking
4. No fractures or skin lesions in the upper or lower limbs
5. Infectious diseases requiring contact precautions
6. Diagnosis of MCI or dementia