Actively Recruiting
Biological Determinants and Neural Compensatory Mechanisms of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Parkinson's Disease
Led by Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf · Updated on 2025-12-23
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
17 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
H
Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf
Lead Sponsor
G
German Research Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder often leading to oropharyngeal dysphagia, a swallowing problem that greatly impacts health and quality of life. This study aims to explore the clinical, biological, and brain-related factors behind swallowing difficulties in PD, focusing on how the brain may compensate for these problems. Researchers believe that swallowing issues are connected to disease severity, specific biological markers, and brain activity changes. The study is an observational, cross-sectional research involving 100 patients with PD at various disease stages. Participants will undergo a detailed swallowing assessment using flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), along with clinical evaluations of motor and non-motor symptoms, disease severity, and quality of life. Biological samples like blood and saliva will be collected to analyze markers linked to inflammation and neurodegeneration. Brain imaging with functional MRI, structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and muscle volumetry will examine swallowing-related brain activity and possible compensatory mechanisms. Participants will complete three main assessment blocks covering swallowing function, clinical and biological data, and neuroimaging tests. The primary outcome is dysphagia severity measured by FEES. Secondary outcomes include neural activation patterns, electromyography of swallowing muscles, cognitive function, swallowing-related quality of life, airway invasion severity, and pharyngeal residue severity. This comprehensive approach aims to improve understanding of swallowing problems in PD and support future targeted treatments to reduce complications and enhance patient care.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Biological Determinants and Neural Compensation of Dysphagia in Parkinson's Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease diagnosed according to the MDS diagnostic criteria
- Participation allowed in all disease stages, with or without swallowing difficulties
- Cognitive ability sufficient to follow study procedures
- Able to eat and drink orally daily (no exclusive tube feeding)
You will not qualify if you...
- Other causes of swallowing difficulties such as stroke, head and neck cancer, neuroinflammatory diseases, neuromuscular disorders, or brain injuries
- Presence of electronic devices like pacemaker or deep brain stimulation, or contraindications for MRI
- Diagnosis of asthma or COPD
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single study visit
Participants undergo detailed clinical and instrumental swallowing assessments, biological sample collection, sensory testing, and neuroimaging to evaluate swallowing function and neural compensatory mechanisms.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University Hospital Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, 40225
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Bendix Labeit
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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