Understanding early signs of neurodegeneration in patients with sleep behavior disorders

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and early neurodegenerative changes, particularly in patients who have started serotonergic antidepressants. It aims to identify prodromal signs of dementia, such as impaired color vision and mild cognitive impairment, that may emerge in individuals with RBD. By analyzing these symptoms, the study seeks to better understand how RBD can indicate the risk of developing conditions like Dementia with Lewy bodies or Parkinson's disease. Patients will be monitored over time to assess the progression of symptoms and their relationship to neurodegeneration.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Minnesota
  Minneapolis, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Howell, Michael J — University of Minnesota
• Study coordinator: Howell, Michael J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Early brain changes in people whose dream‑enacting sleep began or worsened after SSRI antidepressants

  This project looks for early signs of brain degeneration in people who started acting out their dreams after beginning serotonergic antidepressants like SSRIs.

  NIH research University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, United States · NIH-11175319

• Understanding how brain injuries affect sleep disorders in veterans

  This study is looking at how brain injuries and PTSD might lead to sleep problems, specifically a condition called REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, in veterans, and it hopes to find out what causes these sleep issues and how they might relate to future health concerns.

  NIH research Portland VA Medical Center · Portland, United States · NIH-11109418

• Ginger as a Modifier of Ghrelin Levels in Parkinson’s Disease and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

  This study tests whether ginger capsules can raise ghrelin levels in people with Parkinson’s disease, REM sleep behavior disorder, and healthy controls.

  Recruiting Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · Cambridge · NCT07882108

• Early PD signals in people with REM sleep behavior disorder

  This study tests whether people with REM sleep behavior disorder show early signs of Parkinson’s disease before classic symptoms appear.

  Recruiting Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance · Hvidovre · NCT07790744

• Gut methane and Parkinson's: measuring if a probiotic helps people with Parkinson's, REM sleep behavior disorder, or cognitive concerns

  This study tests whether a probiotic containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri can help people with Parkinson's disease, those at high risk for PD, and related cognitive issues by potentially improving gut methane levels and overall symptoms.

  Recruiting University of Cambridge · Cambridge, CB2 · NCT07786116

• Multimodal prospective cohort of Parkinsonism

  This project will try to track disease progression and improve diagnosis using imaging, clinical tests, and biological samples in people with parkinsonism, people with REM sleep behavior disorder, and healthy volunteers over five years.

  Recruiting Ruijin Hospital · Shanghai · NCT07553845

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.