North American program coordinating follow-up and biomarker collection for REM sleep behavior disorder and early Parkinson-type conditions
NAPS2 Administrative Core
This program brings together clinics across North America to follow people with REM sleep behavior disorder and collect biological samples to help find early signs of Parkinson's, dementia with Lewy bodies, and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321174 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a participant, you would join a network of clinics tracking people with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) over time to watch for early signs of Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or multiple system atrophy. The consortium uses standardized clinical assessments, regular follow-up visits, and expanded biomarker collection including blood and other specimens across multiple sites. An Administrative Core coordinates data management, specimen banks, and study procedures to ensure consistent collection and sharing across centers. The aim is to define biomarker changes and symptom trajectories that could enable future prevention or neuroprotective trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with REM sleep behavior disorder or who have symptoms suggesting prodromal synucleinopathy and can attend visits at participating North American sites.
Not a fit: People without RBD symptoms, those with unrelated sleep conditions, or individuals unable to attend follow-up visits or provide specimens are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could identify early biological markers and timelines that enable earlier diagnosis and future treatments to slow or prevent Parkinson-related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier NAPS work (NAPS1) enrolled over 200 participants across 10 sites and set up successful standardized assessments and administrative procedures, though effective neuroprotective therapies have not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ju, Yo-El S — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ju, Yo-El S
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.