Gamma Sensory Flicker for Parkinson's Disease Patients With Freezing of Gait
This study aims to answer the question: to assess the safety, and tolerability of gamma light in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with freezing of gait (FOG). Parkinson's disease (PD) patients often experience a complex gait disorder known as Freezing of Gait (FOG). FOG is characterized by brief arrests of stepping when initiating gait, turning, and walking straight and patients describe it as their feet being glued to the floor. FOG in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a considerable public health burden worldwide. It is a poorly understood gait symptom that has potentially grave consequences as FOG is intermittent and unpredictable, a leading cause of falls with injury, and results in loss of independence. FOG is generally found to be associated with cognitive decline, particularly executive dysfunction which, in turn, has been associated with higher spinal fluid amyloid (Aβ42) levels in PD. There is data linking amyloid to FOG. A previous study showed that the gamma light helped reduce some amyloid. The research team is studying if gamma light exposure for 1 hour daily is well tolerated. Also, does it have any effect on freezing of gait severity?
• PD Diagnosis by UK Brain Bank Criteria
• Hoehn \& Yahr stage I-IV in the off-state
• FOG noted in medical history
• FOG confirmed visually by the examiner in the office
• PD that is levodopa-treated and responsive
• Able to manage 12 hours of OFF dopaminergic medication state
• Age 50-80 years
• Able to sign a consent document and willing to participate in all aspects of the study