Early Biomarkers in Premanifest Huntington's Disease Gene Carriers A Pilot Study Using Brain Functional MRI and Virtual Reality Gait Assessment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether new early signs of Huntington's disease can be detected in people who carry the gene mutation but do not yet show symptoms. This study focuses on using functional brain MRI and a virtual reality device to examine brain activity and gait in genetic carriers compared to healthy individuals. The goal is to find early biomarkers that could indicate the disease before symptoms appear, helping to better understand its progression and potentially guide future treatments. Participants include pre-symptomatic gene carriers and healthy controls matched by age and sex. The study involves several assessments: a brain functional MRI session with visual stimulation to examine brain regions involved in visual processing; gait analysis using advanced 3D virtual reality equipment to measure walking patterns; and cognitive and emotional behavior tests using eye-tracking and fMRI. These tests are conducted in a series of visits over a few months, with detailed protocols for each assessment. During the study, participants undergo neurological, ophthalmologic, and neuropsychological exams. Brain imaging includes anatomical, perfusion, and functional MRI scans with monitoring of eye movements and heart rate. Gait is assessed in different virtual environments with increasing difficulty. Cognitive and emotional responses to visual stimuli are evaluated with eye-tracking and fMRI. Researchers will analyze data for brain activity, gait parameters, and behavior to identify early disease markers and explore possible pre-symptomatic subtypes. The entire investigation spans about two months from enrollment to the final assessment.

Early Biomarkers in Premanifest Huntington's Disease Gene Carriers: a Pilot Study