Map dopamine signals for mood
- Trial ID
- NCT07402928
- Official Title
- Optimistic and Pessimistic Dopamine Signals in the Human Brain: a Mapping and Modelling Study in Health and Parkinson's Disease
- Goal
- Map dopamine signals for mood
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance
- Study Type
- OBSERVATIONAL
- Enrollment
- 140 participants
- Conditions
- Healthy, Parkinson, Medication Administration
Summary For Families
Goal: map and model how the brain's dopamine signals code "optimistic" versus "pessimistic" prediction errors during decision making, and compare those signals in people with Parkinson's to healthy adults. Approach: participants perform behavioral tasks while undergoing advanced magnetic resonance scans that track brain activity tied to dopamine-related signals, then researchers use computational models to separate optimistic from pessimistic responses; people with Parkinson's remain on their usual antiparkinsonian medication so the team sees patterns in the typical medicated state. Eligibility: adults 35 and older, either healthy volunteers or people with clinically established or probable akinetic-rigid Parkinson's who are on stable antiparkinsonian meds, not using advanced device therapies, and without MR contraindications, severe depression, or regular antipsychotic or GABAergic medication.
Locations
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR), Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying an experimental treatment. Goal: map and model how the brain's dopamine signals code "optimistic" versus "pessimistic" prediction errors during decision making, and compare those signals in people with Parkinson's to healthy adults. Approach: participants perform behavioral tasks while undergoing advanced magnetic resonance scans that track brain activity tied to dopamine-related signals, then researchers use computational models to separate optimistic from pessimistic responses; people with Parkinson's remain on their usual antiparkinsonian medication so the team sees patterns in the typical medicated state. Eligibility: adults 35 and older, either healthy volunteers or people with clinically established or probable akinetic-rigid Parkinson's who are on stable antiparkinsonian meds, not using advanced device therapies, and without MR contraindications, severe depression, or regular antipsychotic or GABAergic medication.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be at least 35 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 2 years and 1 month.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.