RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Contribution of the Kinematic Theory in the Early Differential Diagnosis of the Parkinson's Disease

This research aims to find better ways to spot Parkinson's disease early on, and to tell it apart from other conditions that might look similar. The study focuses on how people move their hands, how they speak, and how their eyes move. Researchers are comparing these measurements in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's, those with similar conditions, and healthy older adults aged 50-75. They believe that studying specific patterns in these movements could help doctors make an earlier and more accurate diagnosis. While some parts of the study use established methods, the researchers are also exploring advanced eye measurement techniques to support clinical diagnosis. By understanding these subtle differences, the study hopes to improve how Parkinson's is identified.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM)

Enrolment target

Start

19 Feb 2020

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2028

Parkinson Disease Healthy Parkinsonian Syndromes

What is this study about?

This study is particularly interested in finding ways to identify Parkinson's disease at its early stages and to distinguish it more clearly from other conditions that can look similar. The researchers are focusing on measuring different types of movements: how people use their hands and arms, how they speak, and also how their eyes move.

The idea is that by carefully analysing these movements, they might find specific patterns or 'fingerprints' that are unique to Parkinson's disease. They will be comparing people with Parkinson's, individuals with other similar movement problems, and healthy older adults. The goal is to see if these measurements can act as helpful indicators for doctors, leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses.

While the study uses established ways of looking at hand and speech movements, it also incorporates advanced eye measurement techniques. It's known that Parkinson's can affect the retina (the back of the eye) and eye movements, so these non-invasive eye tests will provide extra information to support the clinical diagnosis. By bringing all these different measurements together, the researchers hope to improve our understanding of early Parkinson's.

Key takeaways

Aims to find early signs of Parkinson's disease.
Compares people with Parkinson's, similar conditions, and healthy older adults.
Measures hand movements, speech, and eye movements.
Hopes to improve early diagnosis for Parkinson's.
Involves non-invasive tests at the University of Montreal.
May require safely stopping Parkinson's medication for a short period.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be between 50 and 75 years old. You could participate if you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or a related condition, and have had your motor symptoms (movement problems) for six years or less. Healthy volunteers in good overall health, without any history of brain or nerve problems, are also needed.

There are also some important reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe memory or thinking problems, or a history of other serious neurological conditions like a stroke, brain injury, or epilepsy.

Also, if you've had surgery on your mouth, jaw, or voice box, or if you have uncorrected hearing loss, you wouldn't be able to take part. Finally, any condition that prevents your pupils from being safely dilated (widened) would also exclude you.

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 50 and 75 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or a related condition, with symptoms for 6 years or less, OR are you a healthy volunteer?
Do you have good overall health with no past serious brain/nerve problems?
Do you have no major memory or thinking problems?
Can you safely have your pupils widened for an eye exam?
Are you able to safely go 12 hours without Parkinson's medication if applicable?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be asked to come to University of Montreal. For those with Parkinson's, a specific request is to not take your Parkinson's medication for 12 hours before your morning appointment, if it's safe for you to do so. Researchers will then measure your hand and arm movements, your speech patterns, and perform some eye tests. The total duration of your involvement in the study would be limited to these appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit you, but it could help doctors understand Parkinson's disease better and lead to earlier diagnosis for others in the future. The risks are generally low, mainly involving the inconvenience of tests and appointments. For those temporarily stopping medication, there's a risk of temporarily increased symptoms. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

CHUM/Université de Montréal
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll have tests that look at how you move your hands and arms, how you speak, and how your eyes move. These are non-invasive.

Do I need to stop my medication?

If you take Parkinson's medication, you might be asked to safely stop it for 12 hours before a morning appointment. This would only be if your doctor agrees it's safe for you.

How long will I be in the study?

Your involvement would be limited to the appointments needed for the tests. It’s not an ongoing study for each participant.

Who is funding this study?

The information provided doesn’t state the specific funding body, but research studies are often funded by government grants or research charities.

Will I get my test results?

The study aims to gather data for research. Any personal results or findings would be discussed with you by the research team.

How to find out more

Pierre Blanchet, MD

pierre.j.blanchet@umontreal.ca 514-890-8123 Official trial record

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