Feasibility Study of Fluorodopa Positron Emission Tomography in the Early Detection of Parkinson's Disease (Fluorodopa PET)

Funding source: Mayo Clinic

Principle Investigator: Demetrius M. Maraganore, MD

The aim of this study is to demonstrate that we can discriminate early PD from normal aging. Ten cases with early PD and ten age and sex-matched controls will be recruited, clinically assessed, and imaged. Fluorodopa influx rates (Ki) and Striatal to Occipital Ratios (SOR) will be compared via box plot analyses. This feasibility study is an indispensable step toward the development of fluorodopa PET as a screening tool for preclinical detection in at risk family members.