Early brain changes linked to movement and thinking problems in Lewy body disorders
Neuroplasticity and the emergence of motor and cognitive deficits in prodromal synucleinopathy
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-10699782
Researchers will follow people with REM sleep behavior disorder to track how early brain wiring changes relate to later movement and thinking problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10699782 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), the team will follow you over time with sleep testing, brain imaging, and clinic visits to watch how brain structure and function change. They will study patterns of brain connectivity and cortical neuroplasticity that might hide or cause early movement and thinking symptoms. The project focuses on the prodromal phase because most people with iRBD eventually develop Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or multiple system atrophy. The goal is to map how these brain changes evolve so doctors can better recognize and target problems earlier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) who can travel to the study site for sleep testing, MRI scans, and follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People without iRBD or those already diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or multiple system atrophy may not see direct benefit from this prodromal-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors detect Lewy body–related diseases earlier and identify ways to preserve movement and cognitive abilities.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show many people with iRBD later develop synucleinopathies and smaller reports have found connectivity changes, but detailed longitudinal mapping of neuroplasticity in prodromal disease is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MACKINNON, COLUM D — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: MACKINNON, COLUM D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.