Project 170951
Nonmotor and imaging features of tardive parkinsonism in chronic schizophrenia
Nonmotor and imaging features of tardive parkinsonism in chronic schizophrenia
Project Information
| Study Type: | Trial Randomized_Controlled_Trial |
| Therapeutic Area: | Neurology |
| Research Theme: | Clinical |
| Disease Area: | neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation, Parkinson's disease |
| Data Type: | Canadian |
Institution & Funding
| Principal Investigator(s): | Blanchet, Pierre J |
| Co-Investigator(s): | Gagnon, Jean-François; Soucy, Jean-Paul; Stip, Emmanuel |
| Institution: | CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'lle-de-Montréal-Santé Mentale |
| CIHR Institute: | Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction |
| Program: | |
| Peer Review Committee: | Behavioural Sciences - B: Clinical Behavioural Sciences |
| Competition Year: | 2008 |
| Term: | 5 yrs 0 mth |
Abstract Summary
Drug-induced parkinsonism, featuring resting tremor, motor slowing, and body stiffness, remains an unacceptable and frequent complication in about one third of patients treated for schizophrenia with antipsychotic drugs. It typically occurs shortly after drug initiation, often recovering following drug readjustment or withdrawal. However, other individuals with chronic schizophrenia display delayed-onset, persistent parkinsonism, and are thought to suffer from Parkinson's disease. The body of data supporting this hypothesis is thin at present. Since the mechanisms underlying parkinsonism in chronic schizophrenia have not been thoroughly investigated, the condition is not well treated and affects quality of life. In this proposal, clinical markers targeting non-motor aspects of parkinsonism (changes in smell, pain threshold, and sleep architecture), as well as chemical brain scanning markers, will be assessed in patients treated for chronic schizophrenia over 50 years of age, to determine whether those with parkinsonism really suffer from Parkinson's disease. This project may well challenge our concepts about the cause of parkinsonism in chronic schizophrenia. The original data generated may provide ground work to improve treatment strategies.
Research Characteristics
This project includes the following research characteristics:
Study Justification
"Our study aims to determine the effect of treatment with an iron-chelating medication on brain iron levels, brain function, and overall health and quality of life in patients with this disorder."
Novelty Statement
"The results of this study will help us to understand whether treatment for iron overload is helpful to patients with this disorder. In addition, the information we learn will be useful for designing studies in other neurodegenerative disorders where iron may play a role, such as Parkinson's Disease."
Methodology Innovation
randomized controlled trial of iron chelation therapy for a rare neurodegenerative disorder