The GBA Multimodal Study in Parkinson's Disease

This observational study is looking at how changes in the GBA gene are linked to Parkinson's disease. Researchers will use special brain scans called PET scans to look at dopamine, acetylcholine (a brain chemical), and tau protein (a protein that can build up in the brain) in people with and without Parkinson's disease who have a GBA gene mutation. They will also analyze typing patterns using a computer or touch-screen device. The goal is to understand the molecular and clinical reasons behind the connection between GBA mutations and Parkinson's disease. You may be able to join if you are 18-80 years old and have a specific GBA gene mutation. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status.

Study design
This is an observational study planning to enroll 25 participants. It will include 10 people with Parkinson's disease and a GBA mutation, and 15 people with a GBA mutation but no Parkinson's symptoms.
What's involved
Participants will have a clinical evaluation, a typing session, a brain MRI, and three PET scans.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Not specified.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04101968

The GBA Multimodal Study in Parkinson's Disease

Completed
Not specifiedAges 18–80Observational
Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre
~30 participants
Updated 2026-09-02 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:PET scanneuroQWERTY

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 3 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Acetylcholinesterase activity
Measured over baseline
+3 more outcomes measured
Parkinson Disease
GBA Gene Mutation
Gaucher Disease

NCT04101968

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 3 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Oregon Health & Science University

    Portland, Oregonno site contact published

  • Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre | University of British Columbia

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canadano site contact published

  • University of Washington

    Seattle, Washingtonno site contact published

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Michele Matarazzo, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre | University of British Columbia
  • A. Jon Stoessl, CM, MD, FRCPC, FCAHS · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre | University of British Columbia

This trial hasn't published a contact. View it on ClinicalTrials.gov

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

heterozygous for a pathogenic GBA mutation (e.g., p.L444P, p.N370S) or polymorphism;
age 18 to 80 years.

Exclusion

co-occurrence of other neurological disorders;
implants that contraindicate the MRI scanning (e.g. cardiac pacemaker, ferromagnetic implants or devices);
severe claustrophobia;
intolerance to antiparkinsonian drug withdrawal (for GBA-PD subjects);
ongoing treatment with cholinergic drugs
  • Acetylcholinesterase activitybaseline

    11C-PMP PET

  • Tau protein depositionbaseline

    11C-PBB3 PET

  • Dopaminergic denervationbaseline

    11C-DTBZ PET

  • neuroQWERTY indexbaseline

    Typing analysis