Molecular Imaging of Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease Using LPS and TSPO-PET/MR
Trial Parameters
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Brief Summary
It is not known what causes Parkinson's disease and what makes it worsen over time. Research conducted in the past few years has highlighted the possible role of inflammation on this process but its actual mechanisms are still obscure. In this study, the investigators aim to gain understanding on how inflammation is increased in Parkinson's disease and what are its mechanisms, by performing two Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans using the tracer \[11C\]PBR28, that takes pictures of the brain highlighting the areas of inflammation, before and after the administration of a compound called Lipopolysaccharide or LPS, that is known to cause a mild degree of inflammation. The investigators will couple this study with two venous blood draws to measure the levels of circulating molecules of inflammation.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria (all): * 50-85 years of age, male or female * Able to give informed consent * Adequate visual and auditory acuity to complete the neuropsychological testing * No presence or history of significant neurological or psychiatric disorders * BDI ≥ 20, moderate depression * No presence or history of inflammatory or autoimmune disorders * Negative family history for neurodegenerative diseases * Cognitively healthy (i.e., education-adjusted MoCA total score ≥ 26 points at screening) * Female subjects must either be documented by medical records or physician's note to be either surgically sterile (by means of hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, or bilateral oophorectomy) or post-menopausal for at least 1 year (no menses for 12 months without an alternative medical cause) or if they are of childbearing potential, they must commit to use of a highly effective contraceptive measure for the duration of the study and a minimum of six months following the PET scan (including com