Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Early Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration in Parkinsonian Syndromes

This research is looking for early signs of Parkinson's disease (PD) and a related condition called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Both conditions affect the brain, but in different ways. At the moment, it can take years to tell them apart, which delays getting the right help. Scientists are using powerful 7 Tesla MRI scans to look closely at tiny brain structures. They hope to find new ways to spot these diseases much sooner. Earlier diagnosis could mean patients get into suitable treatment studies quicker, potentially leading to better outcomes. This is a non-invasive study, meaning no surgery, just advanced scanning.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Marseille

Enrolment target

Start

15 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

15 Jan 2028

Parkinson Disease Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

What is this study about?

This study is about understanding two brain conditions: Parkinson's disease (PD) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Both can cause movement problems, but they are actually quite different. In Parkinson's, a protein called alpha-synuclein builds up too much in the brain. In PSP, a different protein called Tau causes issues, often leading to falls and memory problems earlier on. Because the symptoms start slowly and can look similar at first, it often takes several years for doctors to be sure which condition a person has. This delay can make it harder to get proper care and join specific research for their condition.

At the moment, there aren't very good ways to see these differences in the brain using common scans. This study aims to change that. Researchers are using a very advanced type of MRI scanner, called a 7 Tesla MRI, which is much more powerful than standard MRI machines. This allows them to get incredibly detailed pictures of very small parts of the brain.

They'll be looking for tiny changes in brain structures, such as how much iron or other substances are present, or how brain cells connect. By identifying these early markers, the hope is that doctors will be able to tell PD and PSP apart much sooner after symptoms begin. This could lead to people getting the correct diagnosis and being able to access the right support and future treatments more quickly.

Key takeaways

Aims to find early signs of Parkinson's disease and PSP.
Uses advanced 7 Tesla MRI to get very detailed brain images.
Hopes to improve early diagnosis for better treatment paths.
Focuses on newly diagnosed people (symptoms less than 3 years).
Not an intervention for current treatment, but for research into diagnosis.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you generally need to be between 40 and 80 years old. If you have Parkinson's disease, you must have been diagnosed fairly recently, with your first movement symptoms (like stiffness or tremor) appearing less than three years ago.

If you have Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), your first symptoms—which could be movement issues, falls, or memory changes—must also have appeared less than three years ago. All participants must be eligible for or affiliated with a social security scheme and be able to understand and sign a consent form.

You cannot participate if you have another serious brain condition, have had a stroke or severe head injury, or if you have certain medical implants (like a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or some metal parts in your body) that would make an MRI scan unsafe. You also can't take part if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from severe claustrophobia that would prevent you from having an MRI scan.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 40 and 80 years old?
Have your Parkinson's or PSP symptoms started less than 3 years ago?
Do you have no metal implants (like a pacemaker) that would prevent an MRI?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you able to lie still for an MRI scan (e.g., no severe claustrophobia)?
Do you have no other serious brain conditions (like a past stroke)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed description of what taking part involves is not provided in your source material. However, based on the `7T MRI` intervention, we can infer that participants would likely undergo one or more MRI scans. This usually involves lying still inside a large machine for some time. There would also be initial assessments, discussions about your health, and paperwork to make sure you understand the study and agree to take part. As this is a diagnostic study, it is unlikely to involve taking new medications. The total duration of participation would be outlined in the detailed study information provided at the clinic.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is contributing to new knowledge that could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses for people with Parkinson's or PSP in the future. You might also gain a more detailed understanding of your own brain health from the advanced scans. The main risks are associated with the MRI scan itself, such as discomfort from lying still, loud noises, or potential interactions with certain metal implants, which is why eligibility checks are very strict. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (6)

Ch Pays D'Aix
Verified postcode
Aix-en-Provence, France
Hôpital Privé La Casamance - Service de Neurologie
Verified postcode
Aubagne, France
Centre Hospitalier Avignon - Service de Neurologie
Verified postcode
Avignon, France
CENTRE HOSPITALIER UNIVERSITAIRE NICE - Service de Neurologie
Verified postcode
Nice, France
CENTRE HOSPITALIER NIMES - Service de Neurologie
Verified postcode
Nîmes, France
CENTRE HOSPITALIER SAINTE MUSSE - Toulon
Verified postcode
Toulon, France

Common questions

What is a 7 Tesla MRI?

It's a very advanced and powerful type of MRI scanner that provides much more detailed pictures of the brain than standard MRI machines.

Why is early diagnosis important for these conditions?

Earlier diagnosis means you could receive the right support and potentially access new treatments or studies sooner, which could lead to better outcomes.

Will I get results from my scan?

While the study aims to find general markers, specific details about receiving your individual scan results would be discussed during the consent process.

Do I have to stop my current medication to participate?

The study information doesn't suggest you'd need to stop current medication, but this is a vital question to ask your doctor or the research team.

How long does an MRI scan typically take?

MRI scans can vary in length, often taking between 30 minutes to over an hour, during which you need to lie very still.

How to find out more

Stephan Grimaldi, MD

stephan.grimaldi@ap-hm.fr 0491385266 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.