Study Rationale: Parkinson’s disease and related synucleinopathies, such as Dementia with Lewy Bodies, are challenging to diagnose at their earliest stages due to subtle initial symptoms. Our research aims to advance the detection methods for these conditions using advance brain imaging technologies. These technologies focus on identifying changes in brain microstructure that precede noticeable symptoms, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and better management.
Hypothesis: We hypothesize that our innovative MRI techniques, which measure specific water diffusion markers in the brain, will provide a more precise and early detection of Parkinson’s disease, as well as track its progression with greater accuracy than current methods.
Study Design: In this study, we will utilize advanced diffusion MRI scans to capture detailed images of the brain’s microstructures. Participants will include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s, those at risk, and healthy controls for comparison. We will first establish reliability and robustness of these measures. Then by analyzing these images, we aim to identify patterns that indicate the onset and advancement of Parkinson’s disease. This approach will help us test the effectiveness of these imaging techniques in spotting early disease signs and monitoring changes over time.
Impact on Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease: By improving the accuracy of early diagnosis and the ability to observe disease progression, our project holds significant potential to transform the management of Parkinson’s disease. This could enable healthcare providers to tailor treatments more effectively and intervene at an earlier stage, potentially slowing the disease’s impact.
Next Steps for Development: Following the successful validation of these imaging techniques, we plan to pursue regulatory approval to integrate them into clinical practice and explore their use in clinical trials. This step will be crucial for making these advanced diagnostic tools available to neurologists and researchers, enhancing patient care and supporting the development of new therapies.