​Measurement of Neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder strongly linked to advancing age.  An estimated 110,000 veterans currently live with PD, and this number is expected to grow in the coming years. The brain’s inflammatory response is increasingly recognized as an important source of pathology in PD, and imaging biomarkers of neuroinflammation in PD are needed. A novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique, Diffusion Basis Spectrum Imaging (DBSI), has been recently shown to quantify neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we will develop and validate this measure in PD. We will determine how DBSI compares to quantitative immunohistochemistry in already-collected antemortem MRI data with corresponding postmortem fixed brain tissues from people with PD (Aim 1). Prospectively, in veterans with PD and controls, we will compare DBSI measures to the positron emission tomography (PET) marker of neuroinflammation, PBR28 (Aim 2), and to the activation profile of T cells in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (Aim 3). We will correlate cross-sectional and longitudinal DBSI measures with clinical features of motor and cognitive disease progression (Aim 4). In this manner, we will develop a strong mechanistic understanding of changes in both neuroimaging and T cell biomarkers of inflammation, and how these relate to motor and cognitive decline in PD.

Principal Investigator: Robert white
Study Coordinator: Fahreta Hamzabegovic and Brooke Watkins


This study is currently enrolling participants. To learn more about the study and how you can join contact our research office at (314) 289-7690

This study is funded by a VA Merit granted to Dr. Robert White.