Observational study on REM sleep behavior disorder and neurodegenerative diseases

North American Prodromal Synucleinopathy Consortium Stage 2

Observational Washington University School of Medicine · NCT05826457

This study is looking for people with REM sleep behavior disorder and healthy volunteers to help gather information that could lead to new treatments for certain brain diseases.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine Academic / other
Locations9 sites (Los Angeles, California and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05826457 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enroll participants with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and healthy controls to prepare for a future clinical trial of neuroprotective treatments targeting synucleinopathies. Participants with RBD will undergo a series of assessments including clinical evaluations, questionnaires, blood draws, neuroimaging, and sleep studies. The data collected will help develop biomarkers for synucleinopathies in their early stages and create a registry of participants ready for future trials. The control group will also participate in similar assessments to provide comparative data.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old with polysomnogram-confirmed REM sleep behavior disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed Parkinson's Disease, dementia, or multiple system atrophy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to the development of effective neuroprotective treatments for individuals at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in similar approaches, but this specific study is part of a novel initiative focused on prodromal synucleinopathies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for RBD Group

1. Polysomnogram-confirmed RBD by ICSD-3 criteria
2. Capable of providing informed consent at time of study enrollment
3. Age \> 18 years

Exclusion Criteria for RBD Group

1. Diagnosis of PD, dementia of any type, or MSA unless previous participant in NAPS1.
2. Narcolepsy-associated RBD
3. RBD secondary to any known cause except prodromal synucleinopathy.
4. Participation in a clinical trial, except by specific permission by the Executive Committee
5. In the opinion of the investigator, the individual has a clinically significant uncontrolled medical condition that would impede safe completion of the study protocol

Inclusion Criteria for Control Group

1. Ability to provide written consent
2. Age \> 18 years
3. Must meet age, sex, and race matching criteria per the Data Management and Statistical core recommendations for the site
4. Must be willing to undergo all testing procedures, including neuroimaging and lumbar puncture.
5. Normal capacity to perform complex activities of daily living independently based on informant or physician report

Exclusion Criteria for Control Group

1. History of dream enactment behavior to suggest RBD
2. Parkinsonism, MSA, dementia, or mild cognitive impairment
3. Active central nervous system, systemic, psychiatric condition or use of psychoactive medication that would adversely affect cognitive, neuropsychiatric, motor, or autonomic functioning.
4. Contraindications to complete MRI.
5. Contraindications to lumbar puncture.
6. Participation in a clinical trial, except by specific permission by the Executive Committee
7. In the opinion of the investigator, the individual has a clinically significant uncontrolled medical condition that would impede safe completion of the study protocol

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 8 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions REM Sleep Behavior DisorderParkinson DiseaseLewy Body DementiaDementia With Lewy BodiesMultiple System AtrophyREM Sleep Parasomnias
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.