Search Results Within Category "Brain & Nervous System"
Neural Correlates of Goal Prioritization and Conscientiousness
This research will use neuroimaging to study the brain systems involved in prioritizing goals effectively, as well as testing whether variation in those systems is associated with the personality trait conscientiousness, which reflects organization, self-discipline, and industriousness and predicts important health and other life outcomes.
• age 20 - 50
• right handed
• no major psychiatric illness
• claustrophobia
• any metal or devices in the body (e.g., pace makers, aneurysm clips etc.)
Computational Modeling of Tic Change Trajectories in Tourette Syndrome
We are looking for participants who have tics. We would like to measure your tics before, during and after a course of Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) .
• age 12-17
• current chronic motor and/or vocal tics, defined as tics for at least 1 year without a tic-free period of more than 3 consecutive months
• at least moderate tic severity, defined as a Yale Global Tic Severity Scale total score ≥14 (≥9 for those with motor or vocal tics only)
• full scale IQ greater than 80
• previous diagnosis of psychosis or cognitive disability
• substance abuse or dependence within the past year
• neuroleptic/antipsychotic medications
Brain Training for Substance Use Disorders
Participants play games designed to train visual attention towards natural, non-drug-related scenarios. A biofeedback loop between gameplay and an electroencephalogram (EEG) system monitors game performance and guides game difficulty.
• 18 to 65 years of age
• admitted to Fairview's Lodging Plus program for chemical dependency treatment with opioid use being the primary reason
• able to read at a minimum of a 6th grade reading level
• willing to provide own contact information for follow-up visit(s)
• for HEALTHY CONTROLS: 18 to 65 years old, able to read at a minimum of a 6th grade reading level, and willing to provide own contact information for follow-up visit(s)
• pregnancy
• history of serious neurological illness (e.g., Chronic seizure disorder, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, Epilepsy, Any history of seizures)
• unable to see text and photos clearly on a computer display
• current or previous problems using opioids, other prescription (prescribed or not prescribed) or illicit drugs
• regular nicotine user (e.g., cigarette smoker, e-cig user) within the past 12 months and
• unwillingness to change hairstyle (e.g., braids, pony tails, dreadlocks) or remove wig to accommodate application of the EEG headset, if necessary
Study in Parkinson Disease of Exercise Phase 3 Clinical Trial: SPARX3 (SPARX3)
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 2 different levels of exercise intensity and to learn more about effects of aerobic exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study will help us better understand what exercise guidelines should be used in the future.
• 40 to 80 years old
• diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson Disease (PD)
• less than 3 years since disease diagnosis
• currently being treated with PD medications such as levodopa or dopamine receptor agonists, monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors, amantadine, or anticholinergics
• expected to start medication within six months of starting the study
• previous use of medications for PD for more than 60 days
• exercising at greater than moderate intensity for 120 minutes or more per week consistently over the last 6 months
• known cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease or individuals with major signs or symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease without medical clearance to participate in the exercise program
• uncontrolled hypertension (resting blood pressure greater than 150/90 mmHg)
• any medical, mental health, drug or alcohol abuse, assessment or laboratory abnormality that indicates a problem that could limit ability to participate in the exercise program (study staff will evaluate)
• women who are breast-feeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant in the next 12 months
• unable to have a brain scan
Validation of Flexible, Wearable Sensors to Detect and Monitor Tics
The goal of this study is to design wearable, comfortable sensors to measure muscle movement during tics. Small, flexible EMG sensors (the size of the head of a pin) will be embedded in a “band-aid like” plastic sticker which is placed on the side of the face. Participants will be video recorded as they complete movement tasks. The entire visit will take approximately 2 hours.
• 10 to 21 years old
• must have chronic tics present for at least 1 year
• must have at least one facial tic that occurs at least approximately once every 2-5 minutes
• active acute skin disorders
• previous diagnosis of psychosis or cognitive disability
• currently suicidal
Inhibitory Mechanisms of Negative Urgency in Adolescent Suicidal Behavior
This study is being done to better understand how the brain and impulsive decision-making are connected to depression and suicidal behaviors in people ages 13-21. Participants will complete clinical assessments, behavioral measures, undergo an MRI scan and complete transcranial magnetic stimulation with electroencephalography (TMS-EEG). There will be follow-ups at 6 and 12 months.
• 13-21 years of age
• current unipolar depressive episode
• lifetime history of suicidal ideation OR suicidal behavior
• lifetime history of psychosis, hypomania, mania
• historical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability
• pregnancy
• neurological disorders
• MRI contraindications (metal implants, fragments or devices)
Genetics of Developmental Disorders - Data and Specimen Repository (Le-Na)
This project is a data and specimen repository for developmental disorders. Participants provide biological samples and permission to store their health-related data. The purpose is collect and manage these materials for use in biomedical research related to developmental disorders.
• All ages
• Individuals with a developmental disorder (mostly but not exclusively developmental brain disorders)
• Parents and other selected relatives of individuals with developmental disorders
Optimization of deep brain stimulation parameters in patients with medically refractory epilepsy
The purpose of this research is to better understand how deep brain stimulation settings can affect the electrical activity in the brain and the frequency of seizures. There are a number of different ways in which the deep brain stimulation electrodes can be programmed to stimulate the brain. This research study uses the implanted battery in the chest to record electrical activity from the brain at different stimulation settings. We then use this electrical activity to determine stimulation settings that are “personalized” to your brain.
Multicenter ALS Imaging Study
The purpose of the study is to test new biomarkers of ALS using MRI scans at 3 Tesla (3T). A biomarker is a measurable characteristic that can be used as an indicator of a particular disease state. Identifying biomarkers in ALS will help test new treatments and may help us make diagnoses earlier.
• for people who have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): less than 24 months since symptoms started, and diagnosis of probable or definite ALS
• for people with ALS and healthy volunteers: able to read, write and speak English, and able to have a MRI
• any condition that makes MRI unsafe or if unable to comply with instructions
• healthy volunteers with clinically significant abnormal findings on neurological examination
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Augment Exposure and Response Prevention for Pediatric OCD (NExT)
We are doing this study to see if we can improve the standard treatment for OCD, Exposure with Response Prevention, by pairing it with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to the parts of the brain that cause OCD symptoms.
• 12 to 21 years old
• right-handed
• currently have OCD symptoms
• inability to have a MRI
• left-handed
• study staff will review additional exclusion criteria
mGlide-Care: A mHealth Partnership with caregivers to improve HTN management in patients with cognitive impairment
The purpose of this study is to learn about a new way of managing hypertension using a wireless blood pressure monitor and a smartphone. The goal is to improve hypertension care in older adults with memory loss or mild dementia in partnership with their caregiver.
• adults ages 60-85 years
• diagnosis of hypertension
• diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or early stage Alzheimer's Disease/Related Dementias
• participant has an unpaid family caregiver
• severe comorbid illness including end-stage kidney disease, end-stage liver disease,
• participant and caregiver unable to complete study tasks or have plans to relocate in the next 12 months
• serious psychiatric illness that could interfere with treatment, assessment, or compliance
HEALEY ALS Platform Trial
The HEALEY ALS Platform Trial is a research trial that tests the safety and effectiveness of multiple treatments in ALS. A regimen is a specific course of treatment, each with a different study drug. We are doing this research to find out if different treatments have an effect on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). We also want to find out if these treatments are safe to take without causing too many side effects.
• 18 years or older
• diagnosed with sporadic or familial ALS
• weakness started no more than 36 months ago -able to to swallow pills and liquids
• unstable medical or mental health condition
• limitations on prior or current use of certain medications (study staff will review)
• women who are pregnant or breast feeding
Humanitarian Use Device: Medtronic DBS Therapy for Dystonia (HDE #H020007) (Dystonia IRB)
Humanitarian use devices are medical devices approved by the FDA for the treatment of medical conditions affecting fewer than 4,000 patients per year. The FDA reviewed the safety of the device and determined that the probable health benefits outweigh the risks of injury or illness from its use. Effective treatment of symptoms, however, has not been studied in formal clinical trials. Medtronic DBS Therapy delivers electrical stimulation to areas in the brain to help control symptoms of various movement disorders. You may be a candidate for Medtronic DBS Therapy for Dystonia if you have been diagnosed with chronic, intractable (drug refractory) primary dystonia. You or your third party payer (health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or other) must provide payment for hospital, office and other medical costs related to this therapy.
• 7 to 99 years old
• diagnosed with chronic, intractable (drug refractory) primary dystonia determined by a neurologist or neurosurgeon
• patients who are at significant surgical risk as determined by the neurosurgeon and/or anesthesiologist
• patients who have not had an adequate trial of medical or non-surgical treatment
teleABLE: Adapting a Behavioral Activation-Based Intervention to Reduce Post-Stroke Sedentary Behavior using Telehealth (Main Trial)
We are exploring ways to promote healthy lifestyles during stroke rehabilitation using a web-based rehabilitation program. The purpose of this study is to compare two intervention approaches: teleABLE and Healthy Lifestyles Education. Both interventions are delivered using video visits, so participants can complete all study activities from home
• at least 18 years old
• diagnosed with stroke more than 6 months ago
• report 6 or more hours of sedentary behavior on a typical day
• live in a community-based setting (i.e., personal residence, assisted living facility)
• mobile within the home, with or without an assistive device and without physical assistance
• Stroke participants will be excluded if:
• currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer
• have a medical diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorder (i.e., dementia, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, glioblastoma)
• received inpatient treatment for substance use disorder or psychiatric condition within the past 12 months
• have a history of skin sensitivity related to adhesives
• pregnant or expecting to become pregnant in the next 2 months
• live in an institutional setting
• currently incarcerated
• stroke participants will also be excluded if they have severe aphasia
NAPS2: North American Prodromal Synucleinopathy Consortium Stage 2
We are recruiting only healthy participants who do not have REM sleep behavior disorder. The information gained from this study will help the investigators understand more about REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and the possible underlying neurologic disorders that can cause RBD.
• male
• 54 to 75 years old
• Caucasian
• history of dream enactment
• diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, dementia, MCI, or MSA
• blood relative with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Effects of Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation Location on Motor Impairment in Parkinsons disease; Udall Project 2 Aims 1 & 2 Study
This protocol will characterize the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) location (both adverse and beneficial) on motor signs in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This information can be used to inform future DBS protocols to tailor stimulation to the specific needs of a patient. If targeted dorsal GP stimulation is shown to significantly improve motor features that are typically resistant to dopamine replacement therapy, these experiments will likely have major impact on clinical practice by providing a potential strategy to treat medically intractable symptoms.
• diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (PD)
• have a deep brain stimulator (DBS)
• have had a 7T brain scan
• history of musculoskeletal disorders that significantly affect movement of the upper or lower limbs
• other significant neurological disorder
• history of dementia or cognitive impairment
• post-operative complications or adverse effects of DBS
Kinematic signatures of postural instability and gait in Parkinson Disease
The purpose of this research is to better understand balance and walking in patients with Parkinson’s Disease. This research study uses small wearable devices that attach to clothing and can measure the body’s location while performing walking and balance tests.
• People diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, with or without implanted Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS). May be at any age of disease progression.
• Healthy adults of similar age to participants who have Parkinson's Disease and are enrolled in the study.
Causal Modeling of Ecological Momentary Assessment and Wearable Data in Youth
Researchers want to find out more about how physical, cognitive, and emotional factors affect eating.
• 13-17 years old
• BMI at or above the 95th percentile
• own a smartphone
• willing to wear a FitBit or Garmin that we provide, download the FitBit or Garmin app on your smartphone and allow transfer of data to study staff
• medication changes in the last 28 days for medications that are likely to affect appetite, mood, and attention
A longitudinal study of imaging biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)
The purpose of the study is to test new biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) using MRI scans at 3 tesla (3T). Identifying biomarkers of a disease can lead to a better understanding of the disease as well as improved treatments.
• 21 to 75 years old
• diagnosis of possible, laboratory-supported probable, probable, or definite ALS or PLS
• other neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson disease, Alzheimer's disease, etc).
• inability to undergo MRI scanning
• needs assistance to walk or climb stairs
Identification of Prodromal Neurodegeneration in Serotonergic-Induced REM sleep Behavior Disorder
This research is being completed to examine the cells, brain imaging, and speech in individuals with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder who are taking serotonergic medications such as Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine and Sertraline. The purpose of examining these is to try and see if we can predict signs of Dementia with Lewy bodies (a progressive form of dementia with an increase in decline of thinking, reasoning, and other functions). This may benefit others by enabling us to diagnose Dementia with Lewy Bodies sooner rather than later.
• 18 to 75 years old
• diagnosis of polysomnogram-confirmed RBD (e.g. narcolepsy) with history of dream enactment or clear dream enactment visualized on video from polysomnogram
• dream enactment began shortly after (less than 2 months) starting a serotonergic antidepressant medication
• for Healthy Volunteers: on serotonergic medication for at least 6 months without history of dream enactment
• the following serotonergic medications are included for both groups: Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, and Sertraline
• Parkinsons disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, Multiple System Atrophy, Pure Autonomic Failure, Alzheimers disease, other diagnosed neurodegenerative disorder, or other known cause of RBD (e.g. narcolepsy)
• untreated obstructive sleep apnea, obesity hypoventilation, central sleep apnea or other sleep disordered breathing
• unable to have a MRI scan
• women who are pregnant
• for Healthy Volunteers: same exclusion criteria as those with 5-HT RBD group, plus history of dream enactment, or increased REM motor tone
Multimodal profiling of response to pediatric Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics
This study identifies the bio-behavioral predictors and correlation of responses to Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention to Tics (CBIT) in young people with tic disorder.
• age 10-17 years at time of enrollment
• current chronic motor and/or vocal tics, defined as tics for at least 1 year without a tic-free period of more than 3 consecutive months. Tics must not be due to a medical condition or the direct physiological effects of a substance
• at least moderate tic severity
• full scale IQ greater than 70
• English fluency to ensure comprehension of study measures and instructions
• inability to undergo MRI (e.g., metal in body, claustrophobia, orthodontia) and/or EEG
• actively suicidal
• previous diagnosis of psychosis, cognitive disability, or structural brain disease
• history of seizure disorder
• active substance abuse or dependence
• presence of another psychiatric or medical condition requiring immediate treatment and/or for which delay of treatment to focus on tics would be clinically inappropriate. Participants will not be excluded for comorbidities that commonly occur with TS (e.g., ADHD, OCD, anxiety) provided that this criterion is met
• concurrent psychotherapy focused on tics and/or involving procedures that overlap with CBIT (e.g., habit reversal therapy, exposure therapy targeting repetitive behaviors).
• psychotropic medication changes in the past 6 weeks and/or plans to change medication during the study period through post-treatment assessment
• four or more previous sessions of CBIT
NRG-BN011: A Phase III Trial of Lomustine-Temozolomide Combination Therapy Versus Standard Temozolomide in Patients with Methylated MGMT Promoter Glioblastoma
We are looking at adding lomustine to temozolomide and radiation therapy when compared to temozolomide and radiation therapy alone (usual care). We will compare the effect (shrinking or stabilizing) and side effects when treating newly diagnosed MGMT methylated glioblastoma. Each of the drugs and radiation work in a different way to stop the growth of tumor cells.
• 18 to 70 years old
• no known IDH mutation
• must consent and have tumor submitted within 30 days of surgery
• adequate hematologic, kidney, and liver function (study staff will review)
• previous treatment of the brain tumor
• prior cancer (except non-melanomatous skin cancer, cervical cancer in situ and melanoma in situ) unless disease free for a minimum of 2 years
• women who are pregnant or breast feeding
Anticoagulation in Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) Survivors for Stroke Prevention and Recovery (ASPIRE)
This study will compare the effects of apixaban to aspirin in patients who have atrial fibrillation and a recent brain hemorrhage to see which is better in preventing strokes and death.
• diagnosis of Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) confirmed by brain CT or MRI
• documented atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
• can enter study 14 to 180 days after ICH
• women willing to use highly effective birth control
• prior ICH within last 12 months
• women who are pregnant or breast feeding
• allergy to aspirin or apixaban
• persistent, uncontrolled systolic blood pressure (≥180 mm Hg)
• contact study staff for additional exclusion criteria
Building Resilience in Adrenoleukodystrophy with Imaging and Neuropsychology (BRAIN)
This study is about a genetic condition called Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). The first goal of this study is to understand more about how ALD affects a child’s brain and development in childhood as they take part in medical care and monitoring. This is important to identify the optimal ways to detect and treat manifestations of ALD such as cerebral ALD. The second goal is to learn about how ALD affects caregivers, so that clinicians can offer better support to families in the future. We will also have healthy comparisons to help to learn more about the condition (ALD) being studied, by comparing the information collected to a child without the condition.
• 3 to 15 years old
• male
• diagnosis of ALD either at-risk for ALD: patients with genetically or biochemically-diagnosed ALD who currently have no evidence of cerebral disease on MRI and b) Cerebral ALD: boys with the cerebral form of ALD who underwent or are undergoing evaluation or treatment for this condition and have early stage disease
• for healthy volunteers: males between 3 and 15 years old
• girls are excluded because this is a genetic disease that only males get
• history of a genetic, neurological, or neurodevelopmental disorder affecting brain development
• history of significant brain insult, infection or injury
Fully Automated Motion-corrected MR Spectroscopy in Human Brain and Spinal Cord
The goal of this proposal is to develop fully automated, high performance, motion-corrected MRS sequences for the brain and spinal cord, that are also easy to share (no additional external hardware needed) with other institutions and easy to use.
• Participants who cannot have an MRI, as determined by the CMRR safety screening form (e.g. metal implant)
• Pregnancy
• Claustrophobia
• Inability or unwillingness to complete an MRI because of low cognitive function or behavioral dysregulation
• Diabetes that has been diagnosed within the past 3 months (diabetes is OK if it is stably controlled (per participant report of either HbA1c <7.0 or stable control for at least 3 months))
• Hearing loss sufficient to prevent communication via telephone
• Weight > 250 and BMI > 35.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure (>170/100) or working with doctor to stabilize blood pressure
• Severe lung, liver, kidney or heart disease of other major organ failure.
• Head size > 23.25 inches
teleABLE: Adapting a Behavioral Activation-Based Intervention to Reduce Post-Stroke Sedentary Behavior Using Telehealth (Formative Phase) (teleABLE)
We are exploring ways to increase physical activity after stroke using a web-based rehabilitation program. The purpose of this study is to adapt the Activating Behavior for Lasting Engagement (ABLE) program using video visits so people with stroke can participate from home.
• experienced a stroke in the last 12 months
• currently spend at least 6 hours per day sitting
• access to a device for virtual video visits
EPI-MINN: Targeting Cognition and Motivation in Coordinated Specialty Care for Early Psychosis: A National Comparison Study
This is a study enrolling patients receiving care for early psychosis across the United States. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group will use two mobile apps, computerized brain training and a motivational smart phone app, for a period of 12 weeks. The other group will participate in their regular clinical care. There will be 4 study timepoints: intake, post-training, 6-month follow up, and 12-month follow up. There is also an optional interview about experiences of loneliness.
• aged 15-40 inclusive
• enrolled in an early psychosis coordinated specialty care clinic (PI will determine this)
• in good physical health & stable psychiatric status
• fluent in spoken and written English
• have access to a smart phone (or other mobile device) and computer or tablet
• participated in significant cognitive training programs within the last three years
• neurological disorder that may interfere with participation
• substance abuse disorder that would interfere with participation
• risk of suicidal behavior
Brain Connectivity Patterns in Chronic Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
We are studying brain mechanisms related to chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain. We are looking at brain structural and functional characteristics that can potentially explain why some people experience persistent pain in their jaws for months or years. We will compare this to information we get from people who do not experience TMD pain. We expect that this new knowledge will improve our understanding of this chronic pain condition and help us develop better treatments.
• Female participants only (biological sex)
• Age between 18-65 years
• Pain-free participants OR
• Chronic jaw pain ( > 3 months)
• Certain medical conditions (examples: heart disease, diabetes, autism, trigeminal neuralgia)
• Any MRI contraindications (examples: metal implants, claustrophobia)
• Being left-handed only
Asymmetries in motor control and their impact on functional independence
We are trying to learn more about how the brain controls movement and how this affects function after stroke. We expect differences in the side of brain damage to result in distinct movements of each arm. We will collect information with standard clinical exams and movements during tasks completed on the Kinereach virtual reality system. We will compare results between people who have and have not had a stroke.
• right-handed
• stroke occurred at least 3 months ago
• stroke on only one side of brain
• weakness on one side of the body
• able to understand instructions
• history of more than 1 stroke
• pacemaker
• pregnant
• major psychiatric diagnosis (schizophrenia, major affective disorder, substance abuse requiring hospitalization)
• significant joint pain
• arthritis
• neurological disease other than stroke
• taking prescription drugs with sedative properties
• unable to have a MRI
Wearable monitor for FOG detection
Freezing of gait is a common problem in people with Parkinson's disease. Episodes of freezing can be overcome when a sensory cue is provided. This study will further develop and study the efficacy of a wireless shoe insole that can monitor walking and provide a cue (acoustic or vibrotactile) when a freezing event is detected. The experiment is designed to further test the ability of the device and algorithm to reliably detect freezing and release the episode with an external cue. This study has the potential to develop a tool that can help reduce the incidence and severity of freezing events in people with Parkinson's disease.
• Age: 21 to 75 years
• Able to walk independently without the assistance of a walking aid
• History of musculoskeletal disorders
• Other significant neurological disorders
• Hallucinations
• Unable to walk
• Legally Blind
• Symptomatic low blood pressure
• Additional exclusion criteria for young and healthy controls: diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, or a family member with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.