NCT07024875 · Washington University School of Medicine
Neuroimaging of Parkinson's
What this study is about
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by dysfunction in both subcortical structures and the cortex. The investigators recently discovered a new brain system called the Somato-Cognitive Action Network (SCAN), which could be a primary locus of dysfunction in PD.
View original scientific description
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by dysfunction in both subcortical structures and the cortex. The investigators recently discovered a new brain system called the Somato-Cognitive Action Network (SCAN), which could be a primary locus of dysfunction in PD. Here, the investigators will use magnetic resonance imaging techniques in PD patients to test whether SCAN is critical for PD. The investigators will determine whether SCAN is connected to PD-relevant subcortical structures, and whether PD patients exhibit altered subcortical-to-SCAN connectivity. If successful, this work will identify SCAN as a specific circuit altered in PD patients that can serve as a new target for future neuromodulatory PD therapies.
Primary outcome measures
Cortico-subcortical connectivity to SCAN vs effectors
Time frame: 6 months per participant; 3-4 sessions for controls, 6-8 sessions for PD patients
We will collect resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans from the brains of all participants. From the fMRI scans, we will compute the functional connectivity between each of the subcortical brain structures relevant for Parkinson's disease (including substantia nigra, subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus internus, and ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus) and each subdivision of primary motor cortex (Somato-Cognitive Action network and effector-specific regions controlling the hand, foot, and face). Functional connectivity will be computed as pairwise temporal correlations of the activity timecourses in each location. We hypothesize that subcortical structures will exhibit differential functional connectivity to the Somato-Cognitive Action network than to the effector-specific regions of primary motor cortex.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Must meet specific health and cognitive criteria depending on the group. For PD participants
- Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease
- Must not meet dementia criteria For Healthy Control Participants
- Normal or benign neurological exam
- Normal cognition
- No first-degree relatives with Parkinson's Disease
Exclusion criteria
- Neurological Disorders (other than PD) \- Any other neurological condition
- Significant Head Injury
- Head injury with loss of consciousness \>5 minutes
- Or any neurological sequelae
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Serious Medical Conditions
- End-stage organ failure
- Ongoing cancer treatment
- Cognitive Impairment
- Diagnosis of dementia
- MMSE score \<24 or MoCA score \<21
- MRI contraindications
- Metal implants
- claustrophobia
- Weight over 300 lbs (due to weight restrictions of the MRI scanner)
Where
- St Louis, Missouri
Collaborators
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations