Investigating Early Brain and Gait Biomarkers in Adults Aged 18 to 70 with Genetic Risk for Huntingtons Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating early signs of Huntingtons disease in people who carry the gene but do not yet show symptoms. This study aims to find new biomarkers by comparing genetic carriers with healthy individuals using functional brain MRI and gait analysis with virtual reality. The goal is to detect early brain and movement changes before symptoms appear, helping to understand disease progression and improve future treatments. Participants will undergo several assessments including a visual stimulation during functional MRI to study brain responses, especially focusing on the superior colliculus and other visual areas. Gait will be evaluated using advanced 3D virtual reality equipment during different walking scenarios. Emotional and cognitive functions will be assessed through eye-tracking and additional MRI sessions involving viewing emotional images and performing related tasks. The study involves multiple visits where participants receive neurological, ophthalmological, and neuropsychological evaluations. Brain imaging, eye movement tracking, and gait measurements will be performed at set intervals. Researchers will analyze brain activity, gait parameters, and emotional behavior to detect early abnormalities. The entire study from enrollment to the end of investigations will last about two months, with careful monitoring and data correlation to explore potential early markers of Huntingtons disease.

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