Tetrabenazine has been shown to improve gating of abnormal visual stimuli and improve postural stability in Huntington disease (HD) patients as measured by computerized dynamic posturography testing. This study aims to elucidate whether partial dopaminergic depletion via low dose tetrabenazine has a similar effect on masking out of abnormal visual stimuli on the Stroop interference test.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
2
Tetrabenazine will be withdrawn for at least 3 days in Huntington disease patients currently on the drug. Patients will be examined via Stroop test in the OFF state. Two doses of 12.5 mg tetrabenazine will be introduced, spaced 3 hours apart. Stroop test will be performed 6 hours after initial OFF Stroop test.
Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center
New York, New York, United States
Change in Stroop Interference Score
Participants will have Stroop Visual Interference Scores measured while OFF tetrabenazine for at least 3 days. Two doses of 12.5 mg tetrabenazine will be subsequently administered: first dose just after the Stroop test and second dose 3 hours later. Stroop Visual Interference Scores will be measured again in the ON state, 6 hours after the initial OFF measurement. Patients are analyzed according to Stroop test using Golden's Interference score (theoretical min -50, theoretical max about 98) calculated from \[(W × C)/(W + C)\] - CW, where C=color score (0-100), W=word score (0-100), CW=color word score (0-100). The Interference score analyzes cognitive interference during trials of reading of a list of color words which are printed in a different color. Lower or more negative scores are clinically better as they indicate less interference.
Time frame: 72 hours
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.