Gamma Sensory Flicker for Parkinson's Disease Patients With Freezing of Gait
The purpose of the study is to examine the safety of special eyewear and earphones that emit a visual and auditory stimulus in the gamma range (gamma flicker) in patients with Parkinson's disease for 1 hour per day and to assess the effects this stimulus has on reducing a walking problem referred to as freezing of gait (FOG) as well as on a specific spinal fluid chemical marker, amyloid.

Based on previous animal studies this gamma stimulus has the potential as a novel, non-invasive, non-pharmacological approach, to remove amyloid from the brain. The investigators have found in a prior study, that amyloid levels are high in the spinal fluid of Parkinson's patients with FOG.

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients often experience a complex gait disorder known as Freezing of Gait (FOG). FOG is characterized by brief arrests of stepping when initiating gait, turning, and walking straight and patients describe it as their feet being "glued" to the floor. FOG in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a considerable public health burden worldwide. It is a poorly understood gait symptom that has potentially grave consequences as FOG is intermittent and unpredictable in nature, a leading cause of falls with injury, and results in loss of independence.

FOG is generally found to be associated with cognitive decline, particularly executive dysfunction which, in turn, has been associated with higher spinal fluid amyloid (Aβ42) levels in PD.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  PD Diagnosis by UK Brain Bank Criteria Hoehn & Yahr stage I-IV in the off-state FOG noted in medical history FOG confirmed visually by the examiner in the office PD that is levodopa-treated and responsive Able to manage 12 hours of "OFF" dopaminergic medication state Age 50-75 years Able to sign a consent document and willing to participate in all aspects of the study  Exclusion Criteria:  A diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism including vascular parkinsonism Prior treatment with medications that cause Parkinsonism Stage V PD -unable to walk independently when OFF Absence of levodopa response Neurological or orthopedic disorders interfering with gait Dementia precluding completing study protocol including those meeting criteria for dementia with Lewy bodies Major depression based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V) criteria Any medical problems that would preclude participation, including individuals with a history of migraines, tinnitus, or seizures because sensory stimuli can potentially exacerbate these conditions. Profound sensory loss as determined by the investigator. - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 50 Years - MaximumAge: 75 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult