Plain-English translation of NCT06402955 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Parkinson's Disease research guide →Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.
Researchers want to understand the brain differences that cause depression in people with Parkinson's disease. This study will use two types of brain scans (PET and MRI) to compare brain activity and structure in four groups: people with both Parkinson's and depression, people with Parkinson's alone, people with depression alone, and healthy volunteers. Some participants will also receive a single dose of ketamine to see if it can help improve depression symptoms.
Depression is very common in Parkinson's disease and is often difficult to treat with standard antidepressants. Researchers don't fully understand why depression happens in Parkinson's or what brain changes are involved. This study aims to identify those unique brain patterns so better treatments can be developed in the future.
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You will attend two visits totaling about 7 hours. At your first visit, you'll complete screening and consent. At your second visit, you'll undergo two brain scans (a PET scan and an MRI scan) while lying still. If you choose to participate in the optional ketamine part, you'll receive a single dose and have the scans repeated afterward to see how the treatment affects your brain.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 19, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Phase
Testing effectiveness
Sponsor
Yale University
Collaborators
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Enrollment target
~120 participants
Started
September 2024
Primary completion
January 2029
Age range
40 Years – 80 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in March 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Sophie Holmes
Yale University
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.