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Clinical Trials

REM Behavior Disorder and Parkinsonism: Longitudinal PET Study

Protocol ID

08-126

Protocol Description

Dopamine is a chemical in the brain (called a neurotransmitter) that is involved in movement and normal sleep regulation. In idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) and in Parkinson’s disease (PD) the level of this neurotransmitter is decreased in certain regions of the brain, and there is evidence that some people with RBD may go on to develop Parkinson’s disease. The purpose of this study is to measure how brain function changes over time in patients with RBD, and to determine whether these changes predict whether RBD patients will develop PD. This can be done by taking brain scans that measure 1) how your brain uses energy (glucose metabolism), and 2) levels of dopamine in the brain. These brain scans are taken using positron emission tomography (PET). This research study is being undertaken in the hope that it will provide knowledge regarding the cause of RBD, and provide a means for identifying individuals at risk for developing PD.

Eligibility Criteria

Patients with Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) and Parkinson's disease (PD)

Primary Investigator(s)

  • Guy Schwartz, MD

Contact Information

Toni Flanagan
(516) 562-2685
tflanaga@nshs.edu

Last Update

April 12, 2010
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