Research

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

Dysphagia (the medical term for a swallowing problem) is a common manifestation of PD and is often present in mild form in the early stages, including at the time of disease diagnosis. A major motor impairment underlying dysphagia, secondary in PD, are changes to the speed of airway closure to protect the lungs from food and liquids. This study investigates the application of a unique swallowing exercise program designed to improve swallowing safety by increasing the speed of airway closure.

We are recruiting volunteers who have been diagnosed with PD and who, through a screening examination we will conduct, are confirmed to have airway closure issues during swallowing.

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

TCU IRB #2024-202

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