Research | TCU Center for Neurodegenerative Disease

Changes to voice and swallowing are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) but factors related to how they change over time are not well understood. Our aim is to measure voice and swallowing function and determine what factors are associated with changes that are different from normal aging.

We are recruiting volunteers with PD and those without PD so that we can compare Parkinson’s with aging.

For more information about volunteering, contact c.watts@tcu.edu.

TCU IRB #2022-205

Mobility impairments are a critical factor that impacts the daily function and independence of individuals with Parkinson's Disease. Our aim is to investigate the alterations of walking mechanics among individuals with PD and age-matched older adults to understand where impairments arise and to identify potential early movement deficits associated with PD.

For more information about volunteering, contact a.king@tcu.edu

TCU IRB #2023-131

Neuroinflammation is one of the theories attempting to explain the onset and progression of PD. Our aim is to investigate how levels of physical activity (“exercise”) influence inflammation in the body by measuring levels of an anti-inflammatory protein called clusterin, which we are able to measure in blood samples. We are recruiting volunteers regardless of your activity level.

For more information about volunteering, contact c.watts@tcu.edu.

TCU IRB #2024-59

We will be exploring the ways that positive and negative religious coping impacts people living with dementia and caregivers across the course of the caregiving experience. The Center will be recruiting people living with dementia and their care partners in spring 2025.

For more information, please complete this form or contact m.kimzey@tcu.edu.