REM Behavior Disorder and Parkinsonism: Longitudinal PET Study
Protocol ID
Protocol Description
Dopamine is a chemical in the brain (called a neurotransmitter) that is involved in movement and normal sleep regulation. In idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) and in Parkinson’s disease (PD) the level of this neurotransmitter is decreased in certain regions of the brain, and there is evidence that some people with RBD may go on to develop Parkinson’s disease. The purpose of this study is to measure how brain function changes over time in patients with RBD, and to determine whether these changes predict whether RBD patients will develop PD. This can be done by taking brain scans that measure 1) how your brain uses energy (glucose metabolism), and 2) levels of dopamine in the brain. These brain scans are taken using positron emission tomography (PET). This research study is being undertaken in the hope that it will provide knowledge regarding the cause of RBD, and provide a means for identifying individuals at risk for developing PD.
Eligibility Criteria
Patients with Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) and Parkinson's disease (PD)
Primary Investigator(s)
- Guy Schwartz, MD