We are conducting a research study on how psoriasis might be caused or worsened by high levels of the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin. We are seeking people with plaque psoriasis, ages 18-65, who are overweight or obese with a body mass index of 25-35. Participants will have blood drawn and small skin biopsies taken from psoriasis plaques and nearby…
Most neurologists and other clinicians treating people with Parkinson's disease (PD) are still unclear about how best to prescribe exercise despite the fact that it is now axiomatic that exercise is therapeutically beneficial for PD. In contrast, drugs for PD are prescribed with care and specificity due to large scientific investigations showing…
We are looking for participants for a study on the role of immune response in Parkinsons disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We are inviting people WITH PD, WITH AD, WITH amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment or WITHOUT PD or AD to come and participate. We will be doing several questionnaires, a motor exam, and a short cognitive assessment, in…
The purpose of this study is to examine the causes and pathology of alopecia areata and other hair and skin disorders. Skin biopsies and blood and/or clinical information collected in the study will be used for research aiming at developing new options for the treatment of alopecia areata and other skin and hair disorders.
Genetic studies help us to understand why some people develop certain diseases while others don't and also provide important clues about how best to treat the disease.
FoxBioNet ECV-004 is an observational study sponsored by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The purpose of this study is to investigate a gene called LRRK2. Mutations in the LRRK2 gene are associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), and mutation carriers have greater LRRK2 protein activity. The goal of this study is to identify…
This is a research study to understand what causes bipolar disorder and how medications treat bipolar depression. Particularly, we are looking at the importance of inflammation in the process. If you participate, you will receive an experimental medication for your depression named ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (ethyl EPA), an omega 3 fatty acid. You will…
The goal of this study is to examine how effective and well-tolerated a possible new treatment for individuals who injure themselves frequently will be. All research procedures can be done from home no in-person visits are required. We are studying a minimal-risk form of electrical brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS.…
We are trying to understand what causes bipolar disorder and how medications treat bipolar depression. If you participate, you will have two different brain scans (MRI and PET scan). You will also have antidepressant treatment for free. We will then be able to see whether information on the brain scans connects with how people do on the medications. The…
We are trying to understand what causes bipolar disorder and how medications treat bipolar depression. Particularly, we are looking at the importance of dopamine signaling in the process. If you participate, you will have two different brain scans (MRI and PET scan). You will also have treatment for your depression with an FDA approved medication,…
This study is a double-blind and placebo-controlled study to assess its efficacy of the new drug Lumateperone for patients with Major Depressive Episodes associated with Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorder. Lumateperone is thought to exert its antidepressant effect through interaction with sereotogenic, dopaminergic, and glutamergic neurotransmitter targets.…
We will evaluate the D-cycloserine (DCS) and lurasidone with MRI measurement of brain responses to DCS. DCS is a drug that works on the same brain receptor as ketamine. DCS is not approved by the FDA for bipolar depression. Study participants will receive a dose of lurasidone or placebo in one MRI and a dose of DCS in another, followed by an optional follow…