Search Results Within Category "Neurology"
Brain Mechanisms of Overeating in Children
Reducing intake from large portions is of critical importance to preventing obesity. People consistently eat more when they are served larger portions, a phenomenon known as the portion size effect. The mechanisms of the portion size effect are not well understood, and investigating the underlying neurobiology that drives this phenomenon may inform the development of more effective obesity prevention programs. The proposed research will follow healthy weight children who vary by family risk for obesity to identify the neurobiological and appetitive traits that are implicated in overeating and weight gain during the critical pre-adolescent period. We expect results to confirm the hypothesis that reduced function of brain inhibitory pathways and increased activity in brain reward pathways in response to portion size cues contributes to excess intake with large portions and greater weight gain over time, particularly in children who have higher risk for obesity. The proposed studies will characterize the relationship between brain response to portion size and eating behavior and will allow us to determine whether brain and behavioral responses predict body fat gain during pre-adolescence. These studies will contribute essential information to our understanding of the pathways implicated in overeating and obesity and will facilitate the characterization of “at risk” phenotypes that can be targeted by prevention programs.
There will be seven in person visits with two DEXA measurements, one fMRI scan and five meals.
$350
The child must not have any food allergies to foods used in the study, learning disabilities, psychological diagnoses, red/green color blindness, or claustrophobia.
The child must not be taking any medications known to influence cognitive function, taste, appetite or blood flow
The child's BMI must be below the 90th percentile at the first visit
The biological mother and father must have a BMI between 18.5-25 kg/m2 (low-risk group) or greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 for mothers and greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 for fathers (high-risk group) and 1 parent must attend all visits.
Children will be excluded if they have any food allergies, learning disabilities, psychological diagnoses, red/green color blindness, or claustrophobia
Children will be excluded if they are taking cold or allergy medication, or other medications known to influence cognitive function, taste, appetite, or blood flow
Children will be excluded if their BMI is above the 90th percentile at the first visit
Families will be excluded if the biological mother or father do not fit the BMI requirements
A data and biorepository for individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and other individuals at increased risk for dementia
This research is being done to help us better understand the risk factors and protective factors for cognitive decline in people who are at increased risk for dementia. The goal of the study is to establish a data and biorepository for people at increased risk for dementia.
Eligible patients for the study, in addition to routine clinic visits, may undergo a series of questionnaires and blood testing.
Patient participants - Meet the criteria for subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, dementia or at risk for any
Health controls - Normal age and education-adjusted performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test or another standardized cognitive screening test
A multisensory evoked potential brain-computer interface for communication in ALS
A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a device that has the potential to restore communication by direct translation of brain signals. The BCI used in this study, the P300 Speller, relies on the generation of a P300 evoked potential when a user is presented a rare and unpredictable target stimulus amidst a larger pool of non-target stimuli. This evoked potential is used to perform selections on the computer. Those with advanced ALS demonstrate decreased capacity for BCI control using the P300 speller. With this study, we aim to use a combination of eye tracking and sensory testing to quantify sensory and cognitive processes necessary for the generation of a P300 response. We will test the performance of a multisensory P300 spelling task, where brain potentials are evoked using a combination of visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli. The goal is to demonstrate the perceptual benefits of multisensory integration and generate evidence for its use in this patient group.
A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a device that has the potential to restore communication by direct translation of brain signals. The BCI used in this study, the P300 Speller, relies on the generation of a P300 evoked potential when a user is presented a rare and unpredictable target stimulus amidst a larger pool of non-target stimuli. This evoked potential is used to perform selections on the computer.With this study, we aim to use a combination of eye tracking and sensory testing to quantify sensory and cognitive processes necessary for the generation of a P300 response. We will test the performance of a multisensory P300 spelling task, where brain potentials are evoked using a combination of visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli.
$40
Fluent in written and spoken English.
Able to visit the study site in-person for the study visits
(Patient Group Only) - Diagnosis of motor neuron disease, including ALS.
(Control Group Only) Neurologically healthy individuals matching the age, gender, and education level of the patient cohort.
History of seizure disorder
Co-existing neurological or psychiatric illness that, in the opinion of the research team, exclude the subject from participation.
Neurobehavioral mechanisms of social and non-social risky decision making.
The purpose of this study is to understand the neural and behavioral mechanisms subserving social and non-social risky decision making.
There will be one in-person lab visit where you will play a decision-making game, while having an fMRI scan.
$31.25
Able to read and speak English
Normal to corrected vision in order to see a computer screen clearly
No history of head injury
No MRI contraindications
History of head injury
Had an event where loss of consciousness > 10 minutes
Weighs more than 300 pounds
Does not read and speak English
Hand Action and Perception in Parkinson's Disease
The purpose of this research study is 1.) to determine if Parkinson’s Disease (PD) causes changes in the way that people sense the movements of and forces produced by their bodies, and to connect any of these changes in sensation to changes in the brain, and 2.) to identify how changes in movement might come from different parts of the nervous system. This study will use a combination of electromyography, via electrodes placed on the skin, and finger force recordings to infer how PD affects patients' sense of force production, and the neural mechanisms underlying this change.
This study requires a single in-person visit. We will use adhesive skin sensors on the forearms to measure muscle activity. At the same time, we test the participant's finger strength and then ask them to press with moderate force on piano-key-like sensors. Participants will be asked to match force levels between hands and to move an on-screen cursor into a target.
$40.00
No history of earning disability, neurodevelopmental disorder, seizures, multiple concussion (> 3), cerebrovascular disease, brain tumor, hydrocephalus, or any CNS disease other than PD.
No present carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical myelopathy, brachial plexopathy, hand pain, or another neuromusculoskeletal disorder affecting hand function
No history of alcohol and/or drug abuse.
PLS Natural History Study
This study will provide a strong basis and foundation for future clinical trials that use historical controls. The study will collect clinical data and biological specimens to create a dataset and biorepository to be shared with other researchers as a foundation for future clinical trials.
This is a volunteer study for participants diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) or suspected to have PLS by a neurologist. You will be expected to attend scheduled visits in person or by telephone, complete study testing and audio/video recordings. The study includes clinical measurements to assess disease status and motor function, a number of questionnaires, collection of biospecimens including DNA, blood, and urine, and an electromyography (EMG) test. There will be 6 visits over 24 months, of these 6 three will be in-person visits (2-3 hours) and the other three will be telephone calls (lasting about 45 minutes to an hour). Blood and urine samples will be collected during these visits.
$100 per in person visit (three) and $50 for telephone visit (three) completed.
Symptom onset was no more than 15 years prior to baseline
Ability to independently walk with or without an assistive device (e.g., walker) at the baseline evaluation
In cases where a molecular test has been done prior to enrollment in this study, HSP or HSP-related mutations are negative
Expected to have at least some bulbar symptoms (dysarthria, dysphagia, drooling or pseudobulbar affect); however, the absence of these symptoms will not exclude participants when molecular testing is negative for known HSP
UMN symptoms and signs only in the legs
Unwilling or unable to visit the study site asrequired
Clinically obvious cognitive impairment that precludes obtaining informed consent, as determined by the site PI
Participating in clinical treatment trials
Muscular Dystrophy Association Neuromuscular Observational Research (MOVR) Data Hub Protocol
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) wants to collect information about individuals with neuromuscular disease to better understand the disease progression and ultimately improve the medical care, quality of life, and survival of those with neuromuscular disease. To collect this information, MDA has created a data registry called the Neuromuscular Observational Research Data Hub (referred to as the “MOVR Data Hub”). The MOVR Data Hub is a kind of database — a way of collecting and storing information.
Each person who participates in the MOVR Data Hub will have his/her information collected for as long as the person is being seen at an MDA Care Center and information is still being collected, unless and until the person requests that the information no longer be provided to the MOVR Data Hub.
REGIMEN-SPECIFIC APPENDIX FFOR ABBV-CLS-7262
We are doing this research to find out if ABBV-CLS-7262 can help with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). We also want to find out if ABBV-CLS-7262 is safe to take without causing too many side effects.
•Ask you to complete questionnaires about your general health and well-being [Baseline Visit and Weeks 4, 8, 16 and 24/Early Termination (ET) Visits] •Collect a blood sample for:oTesting the amount of study drug in your body [Weeks 4, 8, 16, and 24/ET]oTest certain hormone levels [Regimen Screening, Week 4, 16, and 24/ET]oTest for a bleeding disorder prior to lumbar puncture [Regimen Screening if not done at Master Protocol Screening Visit, Week 16] oBiomarker (including RNA) testing [Baseline Visit, Week 8, 16, and 24/ET]oOver the course of the placebo-controlled portion of this research study, total blood draw volume for the samples listed above will be approximately 32mL or 2 tablespoons per visit •Collect a urine sample for:oRoutine safety testing [Baseline Visit, Week 4, Week 8, 16, and 24/ET]oBiomarker testing [Baseline Visit, Week 8, 16, and 24/ET]•Collect electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess for cardiovascular safety [Baseline Visit, Week 8, 16, and 24/ET]•Collect your vital signs (blood pressure, breathing & heart rate, blood oxygen level, and temperature)•Perform a lumbar Puncture to collect spinal fluid [Baseline and Week 24 Visit]•If you are a woman of childbearing potential, you will be asked to complete a Menstrual Cycle Questionnaire throughout the duration of this regimen
You will receive payment for the following: 1.stipend of $50 per on-site visit; 2.stipend of $100 per lumbar puncture (LP requested Weeks 28 and 52); 3.reimbursement for travel of $65 per on-site visit.
Age 18 years or older
Capable of providing informed consent and complying with study procedures, in the SI’s opinion
Time since onset of weakness due to ALS ≤ 36 months at the time of the Master Protocol Screening Visit
Abnormal adrenal function, defined as confirmed abnormal random cortisol (<5 μg/dL) or ACTH (>2x upper limit of normal) at Regimen Specific Screening.
Any clinically significant ECG abnormalities, including QT interval corrected for heart rate using Fridericia’s correction formula (QTcF) of > 450 msec for males or > 470 msec for females at Master Protocol Screening.
Rapid Motor Regulation Mechanism for Arm Movement in Response to Visual Motion
This study looks at the relationship between motor control via. arm movement and visual stimuli. After participating in brief calibration protocol for the eye tracking system, participants will be moving a robotic handle to interact with visual stimuli during various tasks. Participants will spend approximately 2 hours in the lab.
There will be one approximately 2-hour visit. They will then be asked to complete 20-25 blocks of hand movements while looking at a moving virtual stimulus with a large visual background. Participants will receive regular breaks during the experiment.
$20
Right-hand dominant
Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
Able to sit upright in a chair for long periods
Able to grasp and move objects with both hands
Any history of musculoskeletal disorders
Eye or vision problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, a detached retina or macular degeneration)
Cognitive impairment such that informed consent cannot be obtained, or that participant would not be safe with the protocol
Medication that could make the participant drowsy or tired during the experiment
Defining the role of slow eye movements on limb motor control in younger and older adults
The purpose of this study is to define how eye movements contribute to eye-hand coordination in individuals of the age group 18-50 (young adults) and 65-80 (older adults). Specifically, the aim of the study is to understand how slow eye movements affect arm and hand movements. All procedures to be used in our study will be non-invasive. The task during the study will be performed with a robotic handle that participants will grasp with their right hand. They will interact with visual stimuli by moving the robotic handle. The robotic environmentwill attempt to simulate real-world mechanical interactions, such as those experienced during catching a ball.
During this study, we will ask you to come to our laboratory located in 23 Recreation Building,Pennsylvania State University, on two days separated by a maximum of 48 hours. Both sessions will last approximately 90-120 minutes. During the first session, we will review the procedures with you and if you agree to participate, you will sign this form and then proceed to perform the study. You will perform about 20-25 blocks of hand movements. Each block will consist of 24-30 trials and each trial will last between 3-5 seconds.The second day will be identical to the first day but the order of trials within a block will be changed.
$10/hour
Participants will be right-hand dominant individuals.
They will have normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
Participants should be able to sit upright in a chair for long periods (up to 2 and a half hours) with rest.
Participants should be able to grasp and move objects with both hands.
Any history of musculoskeletal disorders
Eye or vision problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, a detached retina or macular degeneration).
Cognitive impairment
Medication that could make the participant drowsy or tired during the experiment.
Asymmetries in Cognitive Aspects of Motor Control and Learning
This study will improve our understanding of movement control and how strokes of different sides affect overall independence. Participants will complete the visit seated at a chair with sensors connected to the less-affected arm. They will then play a short virtual reality game and complete several questionnaires and assessments.
Neurological confirmation of unilateral stroke
Severe paresis on one side only
Adults over the age of 18
Chronic stage of stroke (>3 months post stroke)
Neuro radiological confirmation of extensive periventricular white matter changes
History of neurological diseases other than stroke
Significant joint pain that is activity limiting
Eye-hand coordination during upright stance
The study will determine how the brain controls eye and hand movements during quiet upright stance.
There will be one visit to the lab (approximately 2 hours) in which participants will be required to make reaching movements towards virtual targets while standing upright. Participants will be required to wear comfortable shoes.
$20
3)Participants will be right-hand dominant individuals
4)They will have normal or corrected-to-normal vision
5)Participants should be able to stand upright for long periods (up to 2 and a half hours) with rest every 5-10 minutes or as requested by the participant
6)Participants should be able to grasp a handle and move objects with both hands
Any history of musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome)
Any history of cardiovascular disease (e.g., Coronary Artery disease, Peripheral Artery disease, Carotid Artery disease, Hypertension, Congenital Heart disease, Congestive Heart failure, Myocardial Infarction, Cardiac Arrythmias, Stroke).
Any history of conditions or diseases that increase risk for syncope (e.g., Anemia, Myocardial Ischemia, Kidney disease).
Any history of conditions or diseases of the vestibular system
Multimodal brain MRI-guided understanding of non-motor outcomes in Parkinson's post DBS
This study will explore the relationship between multimodal brain MRI findings and cognitive/mood outcomes in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients following Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Patients already planning to undergo DBS for PD who choose to take part in this study will have study visits before and after DBS to collect motor, neurobehavioral and physical therapy measurements.
Patients who are already planning to undergo DBS for PD who choose to take part in this study will have study visits before and after DBS surgery to collect motor, neurobehavioral and physical therapy measurements. While many of these components are part of as standard of care, some assessments will need to be collected specifically for research purposes. There are two in-person visits (one before DBS surgery and one approximately 3-6 months after surgery). As part of the study, an MRI to gather data to answer our research questions will be conducted. This is in addition to the clinical MRI that is part of the regular assessment to determine if an individual is suitable for the DBS surgery.
$130 if components of study are completed
Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease
Undergoing DBS as part of standard of care
Able to provide informed consent
General contraindications to surgery
Pregnant or nursing women
Unable to undergo MRI for any reason
Atypical Parkinsonism
Assessment of nocturnal hypoventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
The overall goals of this study are to identify how measurement of carbon dioxide during sleep can improve recognition of respiratory distress in neuromuscular disease and thus improve timely access to respiratory therapies which prolong survival. Subjects in this study will participate for up to one year, during which their carbon dioxide levels will be measured in clinic and in their homes during sleep.
Subjects in this study will participate for up to one year, during which their carbon dioxide levels will be measured using deviced attached to the skin while in clinic and in their homes during sleep. Subjects will also complete surveys at the time of clinic visits.
50
18 years of age or older.
Plan to be followed up in person in the Hershey ALS Clinic for the next 12 months.
Experiencing early respiratory change.
Able to perform or have assistance performing home CO2 measurements.
Use of any type of non-invasive ventilation, except in the case of CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea, or have a tracheostomy
Use of diaphragm pacer
Pre-existing pulmonary disease requiring supplemental oxygen for any portion of the day or night
Interlimb differences in Motor Control and Learning
This study examines how each brain hemisphere contributes to motor control and coordination. Participants play virtual reality/computer games to look at how their arms move during different activities.
upper-extremity orthopedic injuries that interfere with participation
Abstract Reasoning, Decision Making and Social Judgment as Markers of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) in Midlife in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME)
This study will look for emerging patterns of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD), an early onset dementia, in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME). JME is a type of epilepsy that usually begins in adolescence and is known to be associated with disturbances of higher-level reasoning, mood and personality. JME patients are often managed by family physicians, rather than epilepsy specialists; with little known about aging with JME. We think that JME patients will demonstrate a pattern of executive dysfunction that is consistent with consensus criteria for FTLD, characterized by declines in abstract reasoning, judgment, and verbal problem solving, as well as behavior. We also think that there will be an inverse relationship between apathy and conscientiousness. We plan to obtain this information by formal cognitive testing of non-demented JME patients over a period of 2 years, at 6-month intervals, to look for progression of symptoms. Loved ones/caregivers will complete informant questionnaires about patient's mood and personality at the beginning of the study and at 6 month intervals throughout the duration of the 24 month study. We will also include loved one/caregiver cognitive testing at the beginning of the study to obtain healthy information for comparison to patient's findings. Our objectives are to characterize the executive functioning profiles of JME in midlife, taking into account cognition, mood, personality, nutritional status and lifestyle. The information obtained may contribute to better care of JME patients prior to midlife and throughout the course of aging.
Visit 1 for both patient and healthy caregiver participants will involve administration of the JME Virtual Visit Protocol via PSH Zoom. Participants will have completed their REDCap questionnaires prior to the visit to the research coordinator, who will be conducting the assessment. Visit 2-5 for patient participants will involve administration of the JME Virtual Visit Protocol via PSH Zoom. JME participation consists of 5 virtual visits with the study’s research coordinator, lasting approximately two hours each, for completion of standardized tests of problem-solving, thinking, and concentration, as defined above. Caregiver healthy control participation consists of 1 virtual visit with the study’s research coordinator, lasting approximately two hours, for completion of standardized tests of problem-solving, thinking, and concentration, as defined above. Remaining participation involves completion of objective inventories providing a caregiver perspective of the patient participant’s mood and behavior at 6-month intervals, within the 24 month time frame of the study.
Primary language English
age 35 - 65
Mainstream Education
Loved one or caregiver to complete questionnaires
Cardiac conditions affecting cognition
Other medical conditions affecting cognition,e.g.,hypoglycemia
Hospitalization for major depressive disorder within the past year
No available loved one or caregiver to complete questionnaires
Atrophy of Olfactory Bulb in Early-stage Parkinson’s disease
This research is being done to study the deterioration of the central olfactory system (sense of smell system) in the brains of patients diagnosed with early- stage Parkinson’s disease.
Patients should not have reached their 65th birthday.
Patients that have tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia unilaterally
Autonomic dysfunction
Parkinson-plus syndrome
Postural instability
History of exposure to substances that cause parkinsonism
The role of ocular and limb motor inhibition for dexterous motor control
In this project, participants will perform experiments where they will be asked to look at salient virtual targets and make reaching movements to those targets, while ignoring other visual stimuli presented to them.
During this study, we will ask you to come to our laboratory located in 23 Recreation Building, Penn State University, on a single day.We will ask you to perform an eye-hand coordination task using a robot. You will sit in a modified chair and grasp a handle that permits you to move your hand leftward, rightward, towards and away from your body. A display system will project visual targets into the same plane as your hands, which will allow you to interact virtually with the visual targets. These targets will be either bright or dark and you will be instructed to look at some of these targets (while ignoring others) and make reaching movements to some of these targets.
20
Male and female participants who volunteer for the study and provide informed consent.
Participants will be right-hand dominant individuals.
They will have normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
Participants should be able to sit upright in a chair for long periods (up to 2 and a half hours) with rest.
Any history of musculoskeletal disorders
Eye or vision problem
Cognitive impairment such that informed consent cannot be obtained, or that participant would not be safe with the protocol.
Medication that could make the participant drowsy or tired during the experiment
Digital tools for assessment of motor functions and falls in ALS
This is a 48-week, two arm study that incorporates digital tools for assessing motor function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and healthy controls.During the study, neck- and wrist-worn “activity sensors” (PAMSys, BioSensics, Newton, MA) will be worn by subjects while performing tasks of daily living. Subjects will also complete a motor, speech, and handwriting assessment during site visits. They will complete a digital home assessments of speech, handwriting, and pattern tracing tasks throughout the study, and report any falls which occur on the study tablet. We will explore whether sensor-based functional changes are sensitive to self-reported changes over the length of the study.
During the study, neck- and wrist-worn “activity sensors” (PAMSys, BioSensics, Newton, MA) will be worn by subjects while performing tasks of daily living. Subjects will also complete a motor, speech, and handwriting assessment during site visits. They will complete a digital home assessments of speech, handwriting, and pattern tracing tasks throughout the study, and report any falls which occur on the study tablet.Subjects will be required to visit the study site around the time of 5 consecutive standard ALS clinic appointments.The research study will last approximately 48 weeks.
$240
18 years of age or older
Walking with or without mobility support (such as a cane or walker)
Fluent in written and spoken English
Pregnant or nursing woman
Prisoner or institutionalized individuals
Have any clinically relevant medical history of other disease or diseases that, in the opinion of the research team, exclude the subject from participation (including severe cognitive dysfunction).
Digital assessment of speech and fine motor control in motor neuron disease
This study includes collection of digital speech and fine motor control assessment data at a single study visit. Features extracted from this data will be compared with standard clinical disease outcome measures and also the features derived from control participant data. We will use these comparisons to explore the use of these digital assessments in capturing the range of functional changes that occur in motor neuron disease.
This is a single-session study that measures speech and fine motor function using digital tablet-based assessments. Patients with motor neuron disease and age-matched healthy controls will be enrolled. Sessions take approximately one hour.
$20
[Patient Group Only] at least minimal speech or handwriting ability
[Control Group Only] Possess no neurological or orthopedic problems that affects their speech or handwriting AND age- and sex-matched to the existing patient cohort
18 years of age or older
Fluent in written and spoken English.
Pregnant or nursing woman
Prisoner or institutionalized individuals
Have any clinically relevant medical history of other disease or diseases that, in the opinion of the research team, exclude the subject from participation (including severe cognitive dysfunction).
Application of graph theory to both resting-state and task-based fMRI data to uncover brain-behavior relationships related to therapy outcomes in aphasia
This project will use fMRI to examine changes in the brain related to behavioral therapy outcomes in persons with aphasia. We aim to recruit twenty persons with aphasia. Each participant will receive 4 MRI scans. Between scan 1 and scan 2, no therapy will be provided (10 week break). Between scan 2 and scan 3, ten weeks of word finding therapy will be provided. Between scan 3 and scan 4, no therapy will be provided (10 week break). The therapy used is abstract word retrieval training. The results of this project will help inform rehabilitation practices in aphasia.
There will be 4 fMRI scans. After the first and third fMRI scans, there will be an assessment. After the second fMRI scan, there will be 10 weeks of treatment.
$460
Sustained stroke at least 6 months ago
Right-handed
Native English speaker
Completed at least a high school education
History of other acquired neurological disorder (e.g., TBI)
History of developmental disorder (e.g., autism)
History of psychological disorder (e.g., schizophrenia)
Unsafe to receive MRI (e.g., pacemaker)
Discovery of multimodal biomarkers for parkinsonian syndromes, their progression, and pathological relevance
Parkinson’s disease and a number of similar conditions, such as progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple system atrophy, often look very similar clinically, particularly early in the disease. Since there is no objective way to diagnose these disorders definitively, the current practice is to follow patients over time to allow the disease to reveal itself. Evidence indicates, however, that even the best movement disorder specialist can provide the wrong diagnosis approximately 25 percent of the time. This lack of diagnostic certainty has limited both clinical practice and research. The goal of this longitudinal study is to determine whether specific MRI and biofluid measures, such as proteins in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, can help better diagnose Parkinson’s, progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple system atrophy patients.
Participants are asked to complete a screening, baseline and 12-month visit. During the baseline and 12-month visit, participants are asked to complete some questionnaires as well as a fasting blood draw, motor evaluation, smell test and MRI. Participants also may choose to complete additional study components that ultimately may guide the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of Parkinson's and its related disorders. These optional components include skin punch biopsies, a lumbar puncture and participation in the Translational Brain Research Center's brain donation program.
$900.00
At least 21 years of age
Clinical diagnosis of possible or probable Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) or progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
Inability to participate in the study's required components, such as the fasting blood draw
Major medical problems, such as kidney or liver failure
History of schizophrenia or neuroleptic use
Pilot evaluation of a multisensory evoked potential brain-computer interface
A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a device that has the potential to restore communication by translating voluntarily controlled brain signals of intent. The P300 speller, a popular BCI paradigm, relies on the generation of a P300 evoked potential when a user is presented a rare and unpredictable target stimulus amidst a larger pool of non-target stimuli. This evoked potential is used to control a spelling interface. Those with advanced ALS experiencing the loss of voluntary muscular control may also experience cognitive changes that result in decreased capacity for BCI control using the P300 speller.With this pilot study, we aim to validate the performance of a combination of eye tracking and standard sensory testing to quantify intact sensory and cognitive processes necessary for the generation of a P300 response. Additionally, we will evaluate the association of these correlates with performance on a multisensor P300 spelling task, where brain potentials are evoked using a combination of visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli. The goal is to demonstrate the viability of this system for future use in a patient group.
A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a device that has the potential to restore communication by direct translation of brain signals into computer commands. The BCI used in this study, the P300 Speller, relies on the generation of a P300 evoked potential when a user is presented a rare and unpredictable target stimulus amidst a larger pool of non-target stimuli. During this 2-hour, single session study, we aim to use a combination of eye tracking and sensory testing to quantify sensory and cognitive processes necessary for the generation of a P300 response. We will test the performance of a multisensory P300 spelling task, where brain potentials are evoked using a combination of visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli.
Fluent in written and spoken English.
History of seizure disorder
Co-existing neurological or psychiatric illness that, in the opinion of the research team, exclude the subject from participation.
Asymmetric neurodegeneration of central olfactory system in early-stage Parkinson’s disease
This research is being done to study the deterioration of the central olfactory system (sense of smell system) in the brains of patients diagnosed with H&Y stage 1 or 2 Parkinson’s disease compared to that of healthy volunteers.
In this study, you will receive a clinical evaluation and an MRI examination. After that, you will be followed every 12 months for up to 4 years.
up to a total of $250.00.
Cognitively-normal H&Y stage 2 PD patients. H&Y stage 2, as defined by an exam in the practically defined “off” state, and have a diagnosis of PD at the age of 59 or younger. 1st visit prior to age 65
Healthy participants between ages 40-64 at their first visit.
Able and willing to provide informed consent
Fluent in written and spoken English
Dementia
Previous antipsychotic or anti-dopamine drug therapy
Traumatic head injury
Other neurological diseases or disorders
Neural Correlates of Cognitive Dysfunction in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a chronic syndrome in which the heart beats too quickly when standing. POTS primarily affects young women. People with POTS also experience symptoms such as feeling faint, fatigue, nausea, and mental clouding or "brain fog." “Brain fog” is one of the most bothersome symptoms of POTS and it is unknown why people with POTS experience this symptom. Some studies have shown that POTS patients have problems with attention, memory and executive function (ability to plan, organize information, and adapt to changes) while seated and when upright. In this study, we will evaluate how brain function during mental tasks is affected in people with POTS compared to healthy volunteers. All volunteers will complete mental tasks while lying down and standing. If eligible, we will measure brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).The findings from this study will increase our understanding of the mental complaints in people with POTS, to hopefully help with development of new treatments.
There will be three in person visits for this study. At the screening visit, participants will undergo a detailed medical history and physical examination and then will complete a mental test while lying down and standing. If eligible based on the results of the mental test, participants will undergo a pregnancy test if female and of childbearing potential, measurements of blood pressure and heart rate and blood draws while lying down and standing up, and a test to determine if they can tolerate being in a lower body negative pressure (LBNP) device that distributes more blood to the legs to mimic standing. If eligible based on the results of the screening visit, participants will be asked to complete an online questionnaire and two study visits that are separated by at least one week. At these study visits, they will perform a mental test in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The LBNP device will also be used while in the MRI scanner to distribute more blood to the legs to mimic standing.
$25 per hour; additional $25 for completion of online questionnaire
18- 60 years old
Previously Diagnosed with POTS or healthy people without chronic illness
Capable of giving informed consent
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Other potential causes for tachycardia (e.g. prolonged bed rest, dehydration)
Taking stimulant medications within the past 3 months as these may alter cognition
Unable to tolerate an MRI scanner (e.g. claustrophobia, implanted metal)
NSF Proposal 2000047: Understanding the contribution of individual differences todomain-general and domain-specific components of false memories in both young and older adults
This research study investigates the neural processes underlying how people process, store, and remember visual or auditory information.
There will be two in person visits completing tasks on a computer and some verbal tasks.
$10.00/hour for behavioral tasks, $20.00/hour for fMRI scanner tasks.
Ages 60-85
High school education
Infection threat and social decision-making using fMRI
The purpose of this study is to test how social decisions are affected by possible risk of infection. We aim to examine the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying how choices in a risky social decision-making situation can be influenced by viewing images of infection threat (e.g., person with runny nose) vs. images of neutral scenes or other threatening scenes.
Participants will come to the research site for a one-time visit. They will complete brief questionnaires, followed by playing a social decision-making game while undergoing fMRI scanning.
$35.42
English speaking
Does not suffer from claustrophobia
Does not have contraindications to MRI scanning
Does not weigh more than 300 pounds
Cannot speak English
Suffers from claustrophobia
Has contraindications to MRI scanning
Weighs more than 300 pounds
HEALEY ALS Platform Trial - Master Protocol
The HEALEY ALS Platform Trial is a perpetual multi-center, multi-regimen clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of investigational products for the treatment of ALS. The trial is designed as a perpetual platform trial. This means that there is a single Master Protocol dictating the conduct of the trial. The Master Protocol describes the overall framework of the platform trial, including the target population, inclusion and exclusion criteria, randomization scheme, study endpoints, schedule of assessments, trial design, the mechanism for adding and removing interventions, and the statistical methodology and recommended statistical methods for evaluating interventions.
The HEALEY ALS Platform Trial is a research trial that tests the safety and effectiveness of multiple treatments in ALS. A regimen is a specific course of treatment, each with a different study drug.The following things will happen in this research study: Blood and urine sample collection; Completion of questionnaires; Physical and neurological exams; Vital signs, current and historical review of medical information about general health and medication use review; Muscle strength testing; Measurement of the electrical activity of the heart with an electrocardiogram (ECG); and Measurement of respiratory (breathing) function.Participants will also take either the study drug, or placebo, according to the study schedule
Slow vital capacity (SVC) at least 50% predicted
Time since onset of weakness due to ALS within 36 months
Able to swallow pills and liquids
Clinically significant unstable medical condition (other than ALS) that would pose a risk to you
Physical Therapists Role in Promoting Physical Activity for People with Chronic Physical Disabilities
We plan to conduct a qualitative study exploring perspectives of physical therapists and people with disability regarding physical activity promotion
Fluent in english
Individual with a physical disability (eg. limb amputation, spinal cord injury, spinabifida, cerebralpalsy, arthritis, motor impairment)
Has participated in physical therapy in the last year
Does not speak fluent english
does not have a physical disability
Has not participated in physical activity in the last year
Memory and Aging Study
This research is being done to find out more about changes in the brain as we age and to determine if MRI, genetic (DNA) variations, and neuropsychological tests can be used to evaluate memory loss and cognitive impairment.
Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impariment
Normal Controls-Cognitively normal functioning
Psychiatric disorder (e.g., bi-polar, schizophrenia, etc.)
History of chemotherapy
Presence of a cold or viral infection
Presence of a pacemaker, aneurysm clips, or any metal in body