MRI Differential Diagnosis of Parkinsonism
We are studying patients with Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy and other forms of parkinsonism to develop MRI markers and signatures to differentiate them with high accuracy. We apply neuromelanin-sensitive and iron-sensitive MRI approaches developed by our group, in combination with other modalities to achieve this.
Imaging Prodromal Synucleinopathy with MRI
Patients with REM sleep behavior disorder and no other neurological diagnosis, refered to as idiopathic RBD (iRBD), are at high risk of developing future synucleinopathy (Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or multiple system atrophy). Identifying these diseases in their earliest stages is a key goal for the field, and may allow the development of treatments to delay or prevent these diseases. In pursuit of this goal, Dr. Huddleston is a member of the North American Prodromal Synucleinopathy (NAPS) Consortium. This is a group of 10 centers (and growing) developing a large multi-site cohort of patients with iRBD. Dr. Huddleston is Emory site PI for the NAPS Consortium and is leading MRI marker development for the consortium.
MRI Study of Lewy Body Dementias
The Lewy body dementias (LBDs), Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), are common yet often under-recognized conditions. They also lack adequate treatment and cause tremendous suffering for both patients and caregivers. To address this, we are studying patients with both PDD and DLB using multimodal MRI, detailed clinical characterization, and biosample collection. This work is supported by the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, The McMahon Family, and the Emory Lewy Body Dementia Research Center of Excellence (LBDA-RCOE).
Emory Lewy Body Dementia
Research Center of Excellence
Dr. Huddleston is PI for the Emory LBDA-RCOE. This is a consortium of 25 centers across the nation devoted to developing a large cohort of patients with LBDs for biomarker studies and clinical trials. It forms a nexus for patients with LBDs to connect with research opportunities. We also help patients seeking care, and provide outreach to patients, caregivers and families. In addition to the MRI research described above, the Emory LBDA-RCOE is forming a support group for caregivers of patients with LBDs. Currently, we are partnering with Dr. Madeleine Hackney to connect patients with LBD and their caregivers with opportunities for aerobic exercise and dance interventions for these diseases. https://www.lbda.org/go/emory-university
Scalable Image Processing/Analysis Platform
To support our ambitious research goals we are developing a scalable database and image processing platform to carry out our methods rapidly at scale for multi-center studies. Together with expertise from collaborators in biomedical informatics and machine learning, we are developing a customized computing platform to support imaging research for parkinsonism and related diseases. A web-based portal interfacing with scalable image processing and analysis pipelines will support the use of our MRI methods at study sites around the globe.
FUNDING & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Current
NIH-NINDS 1K23NS105944-01A1
MRI Signatures of Neuromelanin and Iron Pathology in Parkinsonism.
Role: Principal Investigator
The Michael J. Fox Foundation MJFF-010556
Comparative Neuroimaging Assessment of the Nigrostriatal System in Parkinson's Disease.
Role: Principal Investigator
North American Prodromal Synucleinopathy Consortium for RBD, Stage 2
Role: Emory Site PI, Imaging Core-Lead, Project Co-Investigator
GRA Ventures Phase IB
Georgia Research Alliance
MRI diagnostic for Parkinson's disease.
Role: Principal Investigator
VA RR&D Merit Award – 1I01RX002967-01A2
Partnered dance aerobic exercise as a neuroprotective, motor and cognitive
intervention in Parkinson's disease.
Role: Co-Investigator
American Parkinson’s Disease Assoc. Center for Advanced Research (Emory)
MRI Markers of Neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s Disease Dementia.
Role: Principal Investigator
Emory Lewy Body Dementia Association Research Center of Excellence
Role: Principal Investigator
Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Pilot Award
NIH-NINDS P50-AG025688
MRI Study of Cerebellar, Pontine and Midbrain Pathology in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Role: Principal Investigator
Emory Roybal Center for Caregiving Mastery
NIH-NINDS P30AG064200
Mechanisms of Enhancing Mastery via Health Education for Caregivers for Individuals with Lewy Body Dementias.
Role: Co-Investigator
American Parkinson's Disease Assoc. Center for Advanced Research (Emory)
Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI rodent model for Parkinson’s disease.
Role: Principal Investigator
Recently Completed
The Michael J. Fox Foundation MJF-10854
MJFF Improved Biomarkers and Clinical Outcome Measures
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
NIH/NIA 1 R34 AG056639-02S1
Neuroprotective treatment trial planning in REM sleep behavior disorder.
Role: Project Co-Investigator and Emory Site Principal Investigator
Our research is also supported in part by generous donors. We gratefully acknowledge these gifts. We would like to specifically acknowledge the kindness and support that we receive from the McMahon Family.