Research

Neural correlates of motor and cognitive processes in Parkinson's disease

Stony Brook University is looking for individuals with Parkinson’s disease for a research study endorsed by the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Parkinson’s Study Group. The purpose of the study is to test the medication, zoledronic acid, to see if it can help prevent fractures in people with Parkinson’s Disease.

As part of this study, a nurse will come to your home to give you a short exam. You will receive a one-time dose of the study treatment and will be contacted every four months to check if you have had any new fractures. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease between the ages of 65 or older are invited to participate. Participants will be a provided with a small stipend for enrollment and yearly during the study.

To learn more about joining this study you can call the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) or if you are ready to enroll visit www.topazstudy.org and enter STONYBROOK as your invitation code.

This study will examine inflammation in individuals with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and Mild Cognitive Impairment with Lewy Bodies (MCI-LB). This study is open to individuals with DLB and MCI-LB age 40 and over. Participants in this study will be invited to participate in future clinical research on DLB and MCI-LB at Stony Brook University. For more information please email sandra.skinner@stonybrookmedicine.edu or call (631) 444-7513. 

This study is examining the safety, effectiveness, and duration of response of Dysport® compared to Botox®. This study is open to people with upper limb spasticity who are between the ages of 18 and 80. For more information please call (631) 444-9083 or email christine.pol@stonybrookmedicine.edu.

Several potential disease-modifying strategies are entering early clinical trials of safety and effectiveness in Huntington's disease (HD). Studies have demonstrated that significant damage in the brain is present many years before symptoms appear, so it is highly probable that these strategies will be most effective if administered in the early or even asymptomatic stage, before extensive damage has occurred. Oculomotor (eye movement) assessments of HD participants have produced results that could address this important unmet need. The first is that such patients, many years from their first clinical symptoms, display a profound deficit in a specific type of eye movement, optokinetic nystagmus (OKN). OKN is a reflexive oscillatory eye movement in response to a moving visual pattern, comprising a tracking of the moving visual field followed by a resetting saccade. We have found that OKN is grossly abnormal and, in some patients, almost entirely absent. Further studies have demonstrated that there is an underlying deficit in motion perception. Visual feedback is essential for good postural stability, and patients with HD are known to have difficulties with posture/balance and are more prone to falls. A greater understanding of these deficits can have a direct impact on assessment and treatment in HD and potentially serve as a biomarker for HD onset and progression. To be effective, treatment should be started prior to the onset of clinically noticeable symptoms. An oculomotor training paradigm may serve as an intervention that could be carried out in the home using telehealth or remote monitoring of patients with HD, as well as those at risk for HD. Beyond the quality of life benefits, large Pharma companies and academic researchers have been searching for just such an early symptom that could be used in pre-clinical and clinical patients to assess the impact of putative treatments or other interventions in clinical trials.

This research is being done to examine eye movement changes and visual feedback errors related to Huntington’s disease. Study procedures for this research are the completion of a series of computer tests where you will where special glasses that allow us to record your eye movements. Standing balance measurements with sensors that are attached to your shirt at your waist and chest. Completion of a brief questionnaire about your experience during testing. The most likely risks to you of the research are fatigue from standing and completing the computer testing. This would be a one-time visit of two hours.

To learn more and inquire about participation, please contact Lisa Muratori, PT, EdD at (631) 444-6583 or lisa.muratori@stonybrookmedicine.edu. 

Scientists are investigating a study drug called ecopipam for adults, adolescents, and children with Tourette's Disorder. A study drug is one that is not yet approved for use by the general public. Ecopipam is designed to function differently than the currently approved therapies for individuals with Tourette's Disorder. Scientists want to find out how it works over time and how safe it is for children, adolescents, and adults with Tourette's Disorder. For more information please email sandra.skinner@stonybrookmedicine.edu or call (631) 444-7513.