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​Heads Up Parkinson
Heads Up Parkinson
Advancing airway protection for people living with Parkinson’s.
Aspiration pneumonia is a serious lung infection and a common complication of Parkinson's disease. It can occur when swallowing and other airway-protective reflexes become weakened, allowing food or liquid to enter the lungs. Because swallowing problems often develop gradually, many people with Parkinson's may not notice them until they are more advanced.
Our NIH-funded research study is testing a gentle new airway protection assessment to better understand swallowing and airway function and explore ways to detect problems earlier. The long-term goal is to improve airway protection, reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia, and
improve quality of life.
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We are enrolling healthy older adults and older adults diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for a
no-cost research study in Columbia, Missouri. Participants will be compensated for their time.
Help Impact Parkinson's Disease
What is this study about?
We are testing a new device that uses gentle puffs of air through a thin flexible camera passed through your nose to measure how quickly and completely your vocal cords close to protect your airway.
Why is this important?
When vocal cords stop closing properly, liquids can slip into the lungs. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Our device may help detect this risk earlier than current clinical tests.
Where is the Study taking place?
One visit, approximately 2 hours at the Clinical Translational Science Unit (CTSU), University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia MO on weekdays in the morning or afternoon.
What about my privacy?
Your data is confidential and identified only by a code number.
What's in it for me?
A free airway protection test, compensation for your time, and the chance to contribute to research.
Who can take part?
We are enrolling healthy older adults and older adults with Parkinson’s disease.
You may qualify if you meet the following criteria below.
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Ages 65-85 Years old and fluent in English
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No history of neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, Bell’s palsy, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, etc.) with the exception of Parkinson's Disease.
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No History of cancer of the head, neck, lungs, or digestive tract
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Independent in daily activities (walking aids okay)
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No prior surgery on the throat, larynx, or esophagus
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Nonsmoker (for the past 5+ years)
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No pneumonia in the past 5 years
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Not taking doctor-prescribed medication to control gastric reflux (heartburn)
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No respiratory illness in the past month
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Not on an altered consistency diet (like blenderized food or thickened liquids) due to swallowing problems; trouble swallowing pills is okay
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No implanted electrical devices (heart pacemaker, nerve or brain stimulator)
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No history of fainting or seizures
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Not currently being treated for speech, voice, or swallowing problems