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Parkinson's disease (PD)
is a neurodegenerative disease of the substantia nigra (an
area in the basal ganglia of the brain). The disease was first
discovered and its symptoms documented in 1817 (Essay on the
Shaking Palsy) by the British physician Dr. James Parkinson;
the associated biochemical changes in the brain of patients
were identified in the 1960s. Some genes were identified only
recently; others remain unknown.The disease involves a progressive
movement disorder of the extrapyramidal system, which controls
and adjusts communication between neurons in the brain and
muscles in the human body. It also commonly involves depression
and disturbances of sensory systems.In the United States,
the prevalence of Parkinson's disease is 1 per 625 people,
though this increases with age, as indicated by the mean onset
of 55 years of age. Symptoms usually begin in the upper extremity,
and are usually unilateral (one-sided) or asymmetrical at
onset.
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The Morris
K. Udall Parkinson's Disease Research Center of Excellence (PDRC)
was established in 1998 with a grant from the National Institutes
of Health. The mission of the PDRC is two-fold:
1. To work toward a cure
for Parkinson's Disease by conducting both laboratory and clinical
research into the cause and treatment of Parkinson's Disease, and
2. To train clinicians and scientists in the clinical aspects of
movement disorders and related clinical and laboratory research.
Dr. Laura Marsh
coordinates the Clinical Core of the PDRC. The Clinical Core is
conducting a longitudinal study of PD and coordinates other clinical
research studies in PD, including medication trials. If you are
interested in participating in one of the PDRC studies, please contact
Melissa Gerstenhaber at 410-614-1242.
Dr. Susan Bassett conducts studies in disability and neuroimaging
in Parkinson's Disease.
Disability in Parkinson's
Disease
Longitudinal
Study of Parkinson's Disease
PI: Laura Marsh, M.D.
IRB # 98-05-08-06
Purpose: Monitor progress of Parkinson’s
disease utilizing motor. measurements, neurological and psychiatric
evaluations, neuropsychiatric testing.
Eligibility: Patients with advanced Parkinson’s
Disease. Patients must register for autopsy.
Visit Frequency: Patients are followed
every 2 years with 6 month phone calls in-between visits.
Parkinson's
Disease Brain Tissue Donation Program
PI: Laura Marsh, M.D.
IRB # 98-05-08-06
Purpose: To provide valuable brain tissue
from patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and neurologically
health controls for laboratory-based studies on the disease mechanisms
underlying PD. To study the relationships between motor, cognitive
and psychiatic symptoms in PD with identified brain abnormalities.
Eligibility: Patients with Parkinson’s
Disease. Individuals without a neurological or psychiatric disorder
to serve as controls. Must be willing to consent to eventual autopsy.
Methods
of Optimal Depression Detection in Parkinson's Disease (MOOD-PD)
PI: Laura Marsh, M.D.
IRB # 04-04-01-01
Purpose: To evaluate screening methods
to improve detection of depression in patients with Parkinson’s
Disease. Using a two-stage design for screening and diagnosis, a
panel of psychiatrists with expertise in geriatric psychiatry and
movement disorders will apply best estimate diagnostic procedures
to evaluate the psychometric properties of depression rating instruments.
Parkinson's
Disease Disability Study
PI: Susan Spear Bassett, Ph.D.
IRB # 00-03-09-04
Background: In general, characterization
of the disabilities associated with PD has focused on motor functioning
and the accompanying decrements in basic activities of daily living,
such as bathing and dressing. this study aims to characterize physical,
social and occupational disability in PD and the relationship of
these to motor, cognitive and psychiatric impairments. Understanding
these relationships will enable us to develop strategies to improve
the care of these patients, as well as target interventions and
therapies.
Specific Aims:
- To examine the influence of motor, cognitive
and psychiatric impairments on disability in working age patients
with PD.
- To examine excess disability associated
with the presence of mood disorders in patients 65 years and under
with PD.
- To examine annual changes in the degree
of disability over a four year period and the relationship of
these changes in motor, cognitive and psychiatric impairments.
Eligibility: Non-demented patients with
Parkinson's disease, ages 65 or younger.
