RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Biological Determinants and Neural Compensation of Dysphagia in Parkinson's Disease

This research focuses on swallowing difficulties, common in people with Parkinson's disease. These issues can lead to serious health problems like chest infections. The study aims to understand the biological reasons and brain activity behind these swallowing problems. By examining body markers and using brain scans, researchers hope to uncover how the brain tries to cope and what changes happen. The goal is to find better ways to diagnose these problems early and develop new treatments to help people with Parkinson's disease swallow more easily, ultimately improving their health and wellbeing.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

Parkinsons Disease (PD)Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

What is this study about?

Parkinson's disease is a condition that affects the brain and can cause a number of symptoms. One common and serious problem for many people with Parkinson's is difficulty swallowing, known as 'dysphagia'. This can lead to serious health issues like chest infections (aspiration pneumonia), not getting enough nutrients, and difficulties taking essential medications. Unfortunately, we don't fully understand why some people with Parkinson's experience this, and current treatments are limited.

This study aims to get a clearer picture of swallowing problems in Parkinson's disease. Researchers want to find out how these difficulties are linked to changes in the body and brain, and whether the brain has ways of trying to compensate or deal with these challenges. They believe that swallowing issues might be connected not just to how severe Parkinson's is, but also to specific markers in the body and how the brain 'learns' or adapts.

By gathering information from 100 people with Parkinson's, the study hopes to piece together this puzzle. The findings could greatly improve our understanding of swallowing difficulties in Parkinson's. This knowledge is vital for developing better ways to predict who might develop these problems and, crucially, to create new and more effective treatments that can prevent serious complications and improve the daily lives of people living with Parkinson's disease.

Key takeaways

The study explores swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) in Parkinson's disease.
It aims to understand biological and brain changes causing these issues.
No new treatments are given; it's purely for research and understanding.
Tests include swallowing assessments, blood tests, and brain scans (fMRI).
Results could lead to better diagnosis and future treatments.
Participation helps future patients with Parkinson's-related swallowing problems.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who have been diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. You can take part regardless of how long you've had Parkinson's or whether you currently have any swallowing problems – either that you notice yourself or that a doctor has identified. You need to be able to understand and follow study instructions, and you must be able to eat and drink normally by mouth.

However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. If you have other medical conditions that can cause swallowing difficulties, such as a major stroke, certain cancers, or other brain injuries, this study isn't suitable for you. Also, if you have electronic devices in your body like a pacemaker or deep brain stimulator, or if you have conditions like asthma or severe lung problems, you wouldn't be able to participate due to safety reasons related to some of the tests.

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.

I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
I can understand and follow instructions for the study.
I can eat and drink by mouth (not exclusively through a tube).
I do not have other conditions causing swallowing problems (like a recent stroke).
I do not have a pacemaker or other electronic implant that would prevent an MRI scan.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This is an observational study, which means you won't be given any new treatments or medications. Instead, researchers will learn by carefully observing and collecting information about your health. You will have your swallowing thoroughly checked using a special flexible camera test (FEES), which is a common way to look at how you swallow. You'll also have a blood test to look for specific markers related to inflammation and brain health. Additionally, you will have a special type of brain scan called an fMRI, which looks at brain activity while you perform certain tasks, including swallowing. The study will also collect information about your Parkinson's symptoms, overall health, and how the condition affects your daily life. The total duration of your involvement will be explained by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

While this study does not involve new medications, which means there are no drug-related risks, there are still a few things to consider. The FEES test involves a thin tube being passed through your nose to observe swallowing, which can be briefly uncomfortable. The fMRI scan involves lying still in a scanner, which some people find noisy or confining. There will be a blood test, which carries the usual small risks of bruising or discomfort. The potential benefit is that your participation will help researchers better understand swallowing issues in Parkinson's, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatments for others in the future. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Düsseldorf
Verified postcode
Düsseldorf, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'dysphagia'?

Dysphagia simply means difficulty swallowing. It can make eating, drinking, and taking medication challenging.

Will I receive new treatment in this study?

No, this is an 'observational' study. You won't get new treatments; researchers will just collect information to understand the condition better.

What is a 'FEES' test?

FEES is a flexible camera test where a thin tube is passed through your nose to let doctors see how you swallow.

What is an 'fMRI scan'?

An fMRI is a special type of brain scan that shows which parts of your brain are active when you perform certain tasks.

Will this study benefit me directly?

While it might not directly benefit you, your participation is very important to help researchers find better ways to help people with Parkinson's in the future.

How to find out more

Bendix Labeit

bendix.labeit@med.uni-duesseldorf.de 0049211811887 Official trial record

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