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New brain scan may predict Parkinson's years before symptoms start

NCT ID NCT04246437

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Daniel Claassen Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study uses a special PET scan with a radioactive tracer called [18F]F-DOPA to measure dopamine production in the brains of people with autonomic failure (problems with automatic body functions like blood pressure). The goal is to see if changes in dopamine levels can predict who will later develop Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, or dementia with Lewy bodies. The study will involve 40 participants, including healthy volunteers and patients with various forms of autonomic failure.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
[18F]F-DOPA (a radioactive tracer for PET scans)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a way to predict whether someone with pure autonomic failure will later develop Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, or dementia with Lewy bodies.
What could go wrong
This is a very early (Phase 1) imaging study with only 40 participants, so it is not testing a treatment. The results may not be conclusive or generalizable to larger populations.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Lewy body dementia Lewy Body Disease multiple system atrophy Parkinson disease pure autonomic failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTONOMIC FAILURE DEMENTIA WITH LEWY BODIES MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY PARKINSON DISEASE PURE AUTONOMIC FAILURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, United States

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