Funding News - NINDS Seeks Persons with Parkinson’s Disease

Scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) seek persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) for research studies. These studies (protocols #02-N-0105 and #03-N-0116) include transcranial magnetic stimulation of the brain, and transcranial direct current electrical stimulation (mild electrical stimulation through the scalp). The investigators plan to see if stimulation of certain areas of the brain, along with the patient’s current medications, will improve movement, balance, and walking. The studies will last approximately four weeks, and include eight stimulation sessions. Each session will last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Eligible participants must be 40 to 80 years of age, have Parkinson’s disease, and be taking an L-DOPA medication such as Sinemet.

Persons who have metal implants in their body, other significant medical or psychiatric illness, or a history of seizures are not eligible.

The studies will take place at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD. Compensation is provided to all participants. All study-related expenses will be paid by the NIH. There is no cost for participation or for any tests associated with the research.

For more information, with no obligation to participate, please contact Dr. Mikhail Lomarev at (301) 496-0937; fax (301) 480-2286; e-mail: LomarevM@ninds.nih.gov; or Elaine Considine, RN, at (301) 435-8518.