Researchers at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology are leading an innovative study utilizing AI technology to monitor freezing of gait (FOG), a debilitating symptom of Parkinson's disease.

Co-principal investigator Lucas Mckay emphasizes that ClassiFOG allows for precise tracking of FOG severity and frequency, enhancing treatment evaluation and clinical trial outcomes.

The Emory Brain Health Center’s Motion Capture Lab, equipped with advanced technology, will collect detailed 3D movement data to support the research.

The AI tool ClassiFOG will process data to detect the occurrence, severity, and frequency of FOG episodes, providing insights into its mechanisms and potential treatments.

Research suggests that accumulating amyloid-beta protein, associated with Alzheimer's disease, may also contribute to FOG in Parkinson's patients.

FOG affects approximately 26% of early-stage Parkinson's patients and more than 60% after ten years, significantly impacting their mobility and quality of life.

The study, which is a six-month randomized sham-controlled trial, will enroll approximately 24 participants aged 50-75 with stable Parkinson's at Emory's Movement Disorders Center.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active sensory stimulation or sham stimulation during daily one-hour sessions at home, assessing the safety and preliminary effectiveness of gamma sensory flicker.

This symptom does not always respond to dopamine medication and may be influenced by factors such as norepinephrine depletion, neuroinflammation, and amyloid protein accumulation.

Gamma sensory flicker involves noninvasive stimulation at a 40 Hz frequency, which has shown potential in reducing amyloid levels and improving brain signaling patterns.

The study will investigate whether specific sound and light frequencies can mitigate amyloid buildup and enhance motor symptoms non-invasively.

Monitoring will include safety, treatment compliance, and evaluation of changes in Parkinson's symptoms, cognition, and amyloid levels in spinal fluid after six months.