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Official Study Title: Genetic  GeneticReferring to a condition that is caused by a person's genes (heredity). and Environmental Risk Factors for PSP
Sponsor: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT00431301
Study ID: 1 R01 AG024040-01A2

Summary

PSP is a neurologic disorder of unknown origin that gradually destroys cells in specific areas of the brain, leading to serious and permanent problems with the control of gait  GaitWay of walking, which is diminished in people with Parkinson’s who tend to shuffle their feet, take too short steps, and not swing one or both arms. and balance. The most obvious sign of the disease is an inability to aim the eyes properly, which occurs because of damage in the area of the brain that coordinates eye movements. Persons with PSP also often show alterations of behavior, including apathy as well as progressive frontal disturbances, problems with planning and multitasking. This study will determine: (1) if there is an association between PSP and specific genes of interest; (2) if there is an association between PSP and occupational and/or environmental chemical exposures functionally or structurally similar to known parkinsonian toxicants; and (3) if hypertension or traumatic brain injury prior to symptom-onset is associated with PSP. To disentangle the complex set of factors that contributes to PSP, this study involves 500 PSP cases, 500 age/gender matched primary controls, and 500 secondary controls for genetic confirmation. Understanding the cause of PSP may also help explain the causes of other related diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.  Parkinson's DiseaseA chronic, slowly progressive disease of the nervous system characterized by the combination of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and stooped posture, among other symptoms. This multidisciplinary team of movement disorder specialists, epidemiologists, geneticists, biostatisticians, industrial hygienist and toxicologist is well suited to unravel the etiology of PSP.

Study Phase

Not Specified
What is a study phase?

Symptoms Addressed: Study does not address symptoms

Study does not address symptoms

Time Commitment

• Less than six months

Eligibility

• Minimum Age: 40
• Gender(s) Accepted: Either
• Study is enrolling non-PD participants

Inclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of PSP
• Able to visit the screening  ScreeningPeriod of selection of clinical trial participants based on ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA. site for diagnostic confirmation
• Able to participate in a one-hour telephone interview

Exclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of other major neurological disorders other than PSP
• Unable to communicate by telephone
• Cognitive  CognitiveRelated to mental activities having to do with perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning. disturbances

Enrollment

Expected Enrollment: 1500 (US)
Date Enrollment Began: Aug 01 2006
Last Updated Date: Apr 23 2007
Trial Post Date: Apr 23 2007
Website: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00431301?order=2

Primary Contacts and Locations

Kentucky

• Christopher Cunningham, Ph.D. & Casey Shepherd, M.P.H. — Study Coordinators
  University of Louisville
  info@pspstudy.com
  Phone: 866-777-0448
  Louisville, KY 40202
  USA
  

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