Funding News - Persons with Parkinson’s Disease Sought for Study

Scientists at NINDS are seeking persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) for a research study to learn how the brains of people with the disease behave during rewards and how commonly used medications affect this process.  As part of the study, participants will be playing a slot machine simulation, winning real money.  Two commonly used medications for PD will be given during parts of the study.  Transcranial magnetic stimulation and psychological tests will be used to look at the brain’s response to rewarding situations.

Eligible persons must have mild to moderate PD, as determined by the investigators, and be 50 to 80 years old (for women) or 45 to 80 years old (for men).  Persons who have taken dopamine agonists or other medications that affect the dopamine system within the past month, gamble frequently, have more than two alcoholic drinks a day or use illicit drugs, or have metal in the head or eye, a pacemaker or another implanted metal medical device are ineligible.  Pre-menopausal women also are ineligible.

The study will be conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD.  Transportation to and from NIH will be provided.  The study involves two outpatient visits approximately 3 to 4 hours each.  Participants will be paid for their time and inconvenience, and also will keep the earnings of the slot machine simulation. 

For more information, contact Dimitrios Kapogiannis at 301-451-9286.  Please refer to study number 08-N-0023.