Parkinson’s Disease - Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia
Protocol ID
Protocol Description
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive degenerative neurological disease. Its symptoms include slowing movements, muscle stiffness, tremor, and problems with balance. In addition, people with PD can suffer from problems with coordination, speech, cognitive abilities, walking, sleep, and mood. Though many of these symptoms improve with existing medication, some medications can result in disabling side effects. This research study will use advanced imaging methods to study one side effect, known as levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). LID is an involuntary jerking movement most commonly of the arm and/or head. The goal of this research study is to learn what brain regions are involved in the development of LID and hopefully pave the way for new treatments of this medication side effect.
We will measure brain function with imaging methods (Positron Emission Tomography - PET scanning), neurological examinations, and neuropsychological testing.
Eligibility Criteria
• Group 1: PD patients already taking levodopa as part of standard of care who are experiencing LID and PD patients who are not experiencing LID.
• Group 2: PD patients who are about to begin taking levodopa as part of standard of care and patients who are about to begin taking ropinirole as part of standard of care
• Group 3: Healthy volunteers
Primary Investigator(s)
- David Eidelberg, MD