---
title: Link brain chemicals to walking
nct_id: NCT07642908
status: RECRUITING
sponsor: University of Michigan
study_type: OBSERVATIONAL
canonical_url: "https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT07642908"
clinicaltrials_gov: "https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07642908"
last_fetched: "2026-06-13T14:08:33.736Z"
source: "Parkinson's Pathways (curated)"
---
# Link brain chemicals to walking

**Goal (in five words):** Link brain chemicals to walking

**Official Title:** Striatal and Extra-Striatal Cholinergic Terminal Density in LRRK2-PD Mutation

**Trial ID:** [NCT07642908](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07642908)

## Key Facts

- **Status:** RECRUITING
- **Study Type:** OBSERVATIONAL
- **Sponsor:** University of Michigan
- **Target Enrollment:** 15 participants
- **Start Date:** 2025-09-18
- **Completion Date:** 2026-09-17
- **Conditions:** Parkinson Disease

## Summary For Families

Researchers are studying how a common genetic change called LRRK2 affects brain systems in people with Parkinson's, especially the brain chemical system that supports attention and memory, and whether those differences relate to thinking problems or to balance and walking difficulties. Participants will have whole-brain positron emission tomography scans that map nerve endings that use a key brain chemical, a second PET scan that looks at dopamine nerve terminals, magnetic resonance imaging, and tests of thinking, movement, sensation, and questionnaires so researchers can link brain chemistry with symptoms. They are enrolling people aged 45 and older who have Parkinson's and a confirmed LRRK2 mutation; people who cannot have magnetic resonance imaging, who regularly take certain anticholinergic or memory drugs, who have had deep brain stimulation, who are pregnant or unable to consent, or who have other major health or safety issues are not eligible.

## What This Actually Involves

**Placebo** _(From the protocol)_: This is an observational study, so there is no placebo and no experimental treatment is assigned. Researchers observe and collect information while you continue your usual care.

**Visits** _(Ask the coordinator)_: Ask the coordinator how many in-person visits the study involves, how long each one takes, and over what total period.

**Procedures** _(From the protocol)_:
- PET scan — Minimally invasive
  > "Participants will complete positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain imaging, cognitive tests, motor tests, sensory tests, and questionnaires."
- MRI scan — Non-invasive
  > "Participants will complete positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain imaging, cognitive tests, motor tests, sensory tests, and questionnaires."
- Questionnaires & surveys — Non-invasive
  > "Participants will complete positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain imaging, cognitive tests, motor tests, sensory tests, and questionnaires."
- Walking & movement tests — Non-invasive
  > "Participants will complete positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain imaging, cognitive tests, motor tests, sensory tests, and questionnaires."
- Thinking & memory tests — Non-invasive
  > "Participants will complete positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain imaging, cognitive tests, motor tests, sensory tests, and questionnaires."

**Washout** _(Ask the coordinator)_: Ask the coordinator whether you would need to stop or pause any of your current medications before or during the study (a washout period), and for how long.

**Travel & reimbursement** _(Ask the coordinator)_: Ask the coordinator whether travel, parking, or your time is reimbursed or compensated, and what is covered.

_Fields marked “From the protocol” come from the trial's registry record or quoted protocol text. Fields marked “Ask the coordinator” are not reliably available and should be confirmed directly._

## Eligibility

- **Minimum age:** 45 Years
- **Sex:** ALL

### Full Criteria

```
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or Female, age 45 years and over.
2. Diagnosis of PD based on the United Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank Diagnostic Research Criteria (Hughes et al., 1992).
3. Presence of LRRK2 mutation as confirmed by referral from UM Movement Disorders clinic, medical record review, or participation in the PDGENEration study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Evidence of atypical parkinsonism.
2. Contra-indications to MR imaging including but not limited to pacemakers, aneurysm clips, intraocular metal, cochlear implant, or severe claustrophobia.
3. Evidence of large vessel stroke or mass lesion on MRI.
4. Regular use of typical anti-cholinergic drugs or cholinesterase inhibitors.
5. History of deep brain stimulation surgery.
6. Pregnant or nursing.
7. Suicidal ideation, as indicated by a response of 2 or 3 on question 9 of the Beck Depression Inventory.
8. Cognitive impairment that results in the inability to give consent, as demonstrated by the Decision Making Capacity Tool.
9. Any other condition or criterion that would preclude safe and meaningful participation in the study.
```

## Locations (1)

- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States _(42.2776, -83.7409)_
  - Nathan Alexander, BSc — (CONTACT) — 734-998-6894 — natealex@med.umich.edu
  - Gerianne Que, BSc — (CONTACT) — 734-998-4790 — queg@med.umich.edu
  - Prabesh Kanel, PhD — (PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR)

## Central Contacts

- Nathan Alexander, BSc — (CONTACT) — 734-998-6894 — natealex@med.umich.edu

---

*Canonical: https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT07642908*  
*HTML version: https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT07642908*  
*Source data: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07642908*