Active clinical trials for "Parkinson Disease"

Deep brain stimulation of STN (subthalamic nucleus) at high frequencies generally improved gait in parkinsonian patients. However, sometimes the investigators observed a gait aggravation either with using high voltage and high frequencies, either because of suboptimal placement of electrode inside Forel H2 field. The most frequent hypothesise to explain this gait aggravation is a modulation of the activity of pedunculopontine nucleus due to a diffusion of the electric stimulation current to the fibbers going near STN area. The primary purpose of this study is to compare the effect of deep brain stimulation with high frequency versus low frequency on gait of patients whatever the electrodes placement (STN ou Forel fields) and whatever the medication condition (with or without treatment).

A decrease or loss of the sense of smell is very common in patients with Parkinson's Disease even in the earliest stages of the disease. There have been no treatments that have been proven to improve sense of smell in patients with Parkinson's Disease. Rasagiline (brand name: Azilect) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 16th 2006 to be used by Parkinson's patients to treat the motor symptoms associated with the disease. The purpose of this study is to see if there is change in sense of smell after starting Rasagiline.

The purpose of this pilot program is to develop and evaluate a new treatment program for depression in Parkinson's disease (PD). The treatment uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy(CBT)to teach patients how to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings and to change thinking patterns and behaviors that may be related to depressive symptoms. This is the first time that this treatment has been used in a group setting for depression in PD. Target population is patients in the Movement Disorders Clinic at Oregon Health & Science University who have Parkinson's disease and mild to moderate depression.

This study was designed to evaluate the symptomatic effects or potential disease progression slowing down effect of a kind of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Mixture in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The treatment phase includes 12 months period of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Mixture per day or placebo and 1 month wash-out period without herbal medicine and placebo.

This study will identify symptoms and other characteristics of Parkinson s disease that may be associated with changes in a gene called leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2). Changes in this gene have been found in patients with and without a family history of Parkinson s disease. This study will examine people with Parkinson s disease to try to identify how symptoms develop over time. First-degree relatives of patients will also be studied. People 18 years of age or older with Parkinson s disease or people who have a first-degree relative with Parkinson s disease may be eligible for this study. Participants visit the NIH Clinical Center every other year for 10 years for some or all of the procedures listed below. Each visit requires 3-4 days of testing, which may be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Telephone interviews are conducted during the alternate years. History and physical examination. Smell testing: Subjects are asked to identify 40 different scents. Sensory testing: Objects with grooves and ridges are touched to subjects fingertips. With their eyes closed, the subjects are asked to say which way the grooves and ridges run on the objects. Neuropsychological evaluation: Subjects are asked about their memory and thinking and may be asked to complete some pen and paper tests. Psychiatric evaluation: Subjects are asked about psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Blood drawing: Blood is drawn through a needle in the arm. Magnetic imaging resonance (MRI) scans of the brain: MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to obtain images of body organs and tissues. During the test, subjects lie on a table that can slide in and out of the MRI scanner (a metal cylinder surrounded by a strong magnetic field). The procedure lasts about 30 minutes, during which the subjects may be asked to lie still for up to 5 minutes at a time. Transcranial sonography (TCS): TCS uses sound waves to obtain images of the brain. Subjects lie on their back and an ultrasound device is moved around the scalp. Sleep study (1-2 night hospital admission): Subjects brain waves are recorded during sleep using electroencephalography (EEG). Their breathing rate, pulse and oxygen level are also monitored. Questionnaire: Subjects complete several questionnaires designed to obtain information on symptoms or traits that have been reported to be associated with Parkinson s disease.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefits of a biomechanical wedge system - The APOS system, for improving the stability of gait, mobility and quality of life in Parkinson's disease patients.

Levodopa-induced dyskinesias have been associated with irregular oscillatory discharge characteristics of basal ganglia. From the other hand, LEV which shares a different electrophysiologic profile than other antiepileptics, inhibits hyper-synchronization of abnormal neuronal firing in experimental models of epilepsy. LEV also reduces levodopa-induced dyskinesias in MPTP-lesioned macaques and modulates "priming phenomenon" which associated with long-term changes in synaptic function that can lead to dyskinesias in PD. Study objectives : To evaluate the effects of levetiracetam (LEV) in two doses (500 and 1000mg) vs placebo on disabling dyskinesias that develop as result of long-term treatment with levodopa, occurring at the time of maximal clinical improvement in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). To evaluate the safety of LEV in patients with PD and antiparkinsonian medication.

The purpose of this study is (1) to determine if patient triggered sensory(auditory, visual and tactile) cues can help treat freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease, and (2) to assess if unexpected (randomized) cues are more effective than anticipated ones.

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of an aquatic Ai Chi training program on the perception of pain, the maintenance of balance and the functional independence of patients with Parkinson's disease. Fifteen patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr range: 1-3) participated in a program of Aquatic Ai Chi lasting ten weeks with sessions held twice weekly. These were compared to a group of 15 Parkinson patients (control group) who received therapy on dry land.

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