Exploring genetic links between sleep issues and Parkinson's Disease
Study on the Effects of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) Gene on the Clinical Phenotype in Patients with Idiopathic and Familial Parkinson's Disease.
This study is trying to see if certain genetic changes related to sleep problems can help explain how Parkinson's Disease develops and progresses in people.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 800 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Exeter Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Ashford and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04553185 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the relationship between sleep problems, genetic variations in the Aquaporin-4 gene (AQP4), and the development of Parkinson's Disease (PD). It aims to understand how these genetic variations may influence the clinical presentation and progression of both sporadic and familial forms of PD. By analyzing the genetic profiles of participants diagnosed with PD, the study seeks to uncover potential mechanisms linking AQP4 to the disease's pathology, particularly in relation to the glymphatic system's role in waste clearance during sleep.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18-85 with a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease and no history of other neurological or psychiatric disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurological disorders or those unable to perform online assessments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into genetic factors influencing Parkinson's Disease, potentially leading to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While studies have shown genetic variations in AQP4 to be linked to Alzheimer's Disease, this approach in Parkinson's Disease is novel and has not been previously tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-85 years of age * Able to give informed consent * Able to perform online neuropsychological examinations * Diagnosis of PD according to Brain Bank Criteria * No presence or personal or family history of other neurological or psychiatric disorders Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of other neurological disorders and known intracranial co-morbidities such as stroke, haemorrhage, space-occupying lesions * Inability to perform online neuropsychological assessment * Inability to have access to informatics technology to perform the online assessment tests * Inability to travel for the assessments * Native language different from English
Where this trial is running
Ashford and 3 other locations
- East Kent University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust — Ashford, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- University of Exeter — Exeter, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Prince Phillip Hospital — Llanelli, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Foundation Trust — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Edoardo r De Natale, MD MSc PhD
- Email: e.de-natale@exeter.ac.uk
- Phone: 07503741242
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.