Award
National Institute on Aging 5R01AG073100-05
Central cholinergic presbyvestibulopathy network changes and imbalance in Parkinson's disease and older persons
Recipient
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Award Amount
$599,350.00
Ceiling
$599,350.00
Awarded
June 05, 2025
Identifier
5R01AG073100-05
This NIH-funded project investigates how changes in the brain's cholinergic system affect balance and fall risk in Parkinson's disease and older adults, using advanced imaging and assessments to identify potential therapeutic targets.
Description
The study aims to investigate the effects of cholinergic neurotransmitter changes in specific brain areas related to vestibular information processing and their relation to balance disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD) and older adults. The research hypothesizes that cholinergic system changes, particularly in the medial geniculate nucleus (MGN) and medial temporal lobe structures, are associated with imbalance and fall risk, independent of dopaminergic losses. The project will utilize PET imaging with [18F]FEOBV and [11C]PE2I tracers, along with balance and vestibular assessments, to explore these relationships.