Plasticity of Motor Systems in Early Stage Parkinson's Disease
The purpose of this project is to increase our understanding of the early state and temporal evolution of neuroplastic changes in the cortex and subthalamic nucleus (STN) of people with PD, and the relationship of these changes to the emergence and expression of PD motor and non-motor signs. Neurophysiological biomarkers derived from this work may be important for the early detection and prediction of progression of disease. They can also provide the means to assess the efficacy of interventions designed to prevent or slow disease progression.
⁃ Participants with PD
• Diagnosis of idiopathic PD, as determined by a movement disorders neurologist in accordance with the PD Society Brain Bank diagnostic criteria
• Not receiving levodopa or dopamine agonist to treat PD (at baseline)
• Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (e.g. cane) for 50 meters Healthy Controls
• Age- (+/- 3 years) and sex-matched to participants with PD
• Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (e.g. cane) for 50 meters