Study of Biological Factors and Brain Compensation in Swallowing Problems in Parkinsons Disease

What this Trial Is About

Parkinsons 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.

Biological Determinants and Neural Compensation of Dysphagia in Parkinson's Disease