Study summary
Problem
As well causing slowness in movement, Parkinson’s can cause symptoms such as changes in thinking and memory. These affect nearly half of patients within 10 years of their diagnosis. However, people vary in how severe these symptoms are. There are several factors that contribute, and these vary between people. These factors include build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain, and effects of blood pressure on blood vessels of the brain.
In this project, we aim to understand how effects of wear and tear on blood vessels and build-up of abnormal proteins combine to cause more severe symptoms in Parkinson’s, including changes in thinking and memory.
Methods
We will invite 90 people with Parkinson’s and 30 people without Parkinson’s, to attend our centre for testing. They will have an MRI brain scan to measure small vessel disease in the brain and a scan called a PET scan (a type of brain scan) to detect abnormal protein build-up in the brain. They will also have a blood pressure check, a blood test, and an optional lumbar puncture to measure abnormal proteins, alongside detailed tests of thinking, memory and movements
We will examine relationships between small vessel disease, measures of abnormal proteins, and thinking and memory scores in Parkinson’s. We will combine them using computer modelling to understand relationships between these factors, and the order they happen in people with Parkinson’s
Relevance of requested data
We have approached UCLH Bioresource to help us identify people with Parkinson’s, and people without Parkinson’s, to take part
Benefit to patients and impact
Understanding the factors contributing to more severe symptoms in Parkinson’s is important
1) to understand which people are at highest risk of developing more severe symptoms in Parkinson’s;
2) to tailor treatment to individuals; and
3) to help identify new treatments to slow the progression of Parkinson’s.