Brain Inflammation Imaging in Parkinson's Disease

Plain-English translation of NCT05205291 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated October 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This research study is testing whether a brain imaging technique called TSPO PET-MR can measure inflammation in people with Parkinson's disease. The study involves two visits — one in Exeter and one in London — where you'll have brain scans, medical exams, and blood tests. The researchers will give you a tiny dose of LPS (a substance that triggers a mild immune response) and then scan your brain before and after to see how inflammation changes.

Doctors believe that brain inflammation may play a role in Parkinson's disease, but they don't have good ways to see and measure it in living patients. This trial is testing a new imaging approach that could help detect inflammation early and perhaps lead to better treatments in the future.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 50 and 85 years old
you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, REM sleep behavior disorder, or you are a healthy volunteer
you are able to undergo MRI and PET scans safely
you have normal thinking and memory for your age
you can commit to two study visits in different cities and follow safety guidelines (no alcohol, caffeine, or smoking on scan days)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a history of neurological or psychiatric disorders (other than your Parkinson's diagnosis if applicable)
you have inflammatory or autoimmune disorders
you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next six months
you have significant depression or other mental health conditions
you cannot stop taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications for 48 hours before study visits

What participation looks like

You will make two visits: the first in Exeter (about 3 hours) includes medical exams, memory and thinking tests, blood and urine samples, and a brain MRI scan. The second visit is in London over two days, where you'll receive a very small dose of LPS and have PET-MR brain scans before and four hours after the injection to measure how your brain responds. The whole process takes a few weeks total, and you'll need to follow some preparation rules like fasting before visits and avoiding certain foods and substances.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United Kingdom

University of Exeter, Exeter