Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

5-HT RBD REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

United States66 participantsStarted 2024-02-08

Plain-language summary

This project will test the hypotheses that people with 5-HT RBD have systemic alpha- synuclein pathology, prodromal DLB signs, and brainstem lesions in regions that control REM sleep. AIM 1 will seek to detect abnormally phosphorylated alpha- synuclein aggregates on targeted skin biopsy in a cohort of people with 5-HT RBD and matched controls (taking SSRIs but without RBD). Aim 2 will use ultra-high field MRI at 7T to examine the pontine region of the coeruleus/subcoeruleus complex for evidence of neurodegeneration as well as segment and parcellate REM sleep related neuronal structures. Aim 3 will test for speech deficits. While these aims are independent we suspect that the severity of autonomic, speech and cognitive deficits will correlate with loss of neuromelanin signal on MRI and pathology on skin biopsy. The investigation is a longitudinal designed study to examine histopathology, neuroimaging changes and speech function from baseline (Time 1) to a follow-up after 30 months (Time 2). A total of 60 individuals, 30 with 5-HT RBD and 30 controls, will be recruited at Time 1, brought back at Time 2, and tested across all Aims at both study visits.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: Serotonergic REM sleep behavior (5-HT RBD) participants Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of polysomnogram-confirmed RBD with history of dream enactment or clear dream enactment visualized on video from polysomnogram. * History of dream enactment began shortly after (less than 2 months) starting a serotonergic antidepressant medication. Control Participants Inclusion Criteria: * Age (±3 years) and sex matched to participants with 5-HT RBD * On serotonergic medication for at least 6 months without history of dream enactment. The following serotonergic medications will be included: Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, and Sertraline Exclusion Criteria: Serotonergic REM sleep behavior (5-HT RBD) participants Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 * Older than 75 * Meet criteria for Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, Multiple System Atrophy, Pure Autonomic Failure, Alzheimer's disease, other diagnosed neurodegenerative disorder, or other known cause of RBD (e.g. narcolepsy) * Untreated obstructive sleep apnea, obesity hypoventilation, central sleep apnea or other sleep disordered breathing * History of dysarthria, aphasia or other condition which could interfere with speech assessment * Reduced capacity to consent * MRI exclusion criteria for 7T scans: presence of any metallic clip(s) or implantable medical devices (e.g., heart valve, aneurysm clip, coils or surgery, renal or aortic clips, shunts, stents or stent …

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Phosphorylated alpha synuclein deposits on skin biopsy

Timeframe: time point 1 (baseline) and time point 2 (24 months, +/- 3 months)

Neuromelanin signal intensity in the Subcoeruleus/Coeruleus Complex

Timeframe: time point 1 (baseline) and time point 2 (24 months, +/- 3 months)

Monopitch as measured by fundamental frequency variability.

Timeframe: time point 1 (baseline) and time point 2 (24 months, +/- 3 months)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06467461

SponsorUniversity of Minnesota

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-12-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Dementia With Lewy Bodies trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Phosphorylated alpha synuclein deposits on skin biopsy

Timeframe: time point 1 (baseline) and time point 2 (24 months, +/- 3 months)

Neuromelanin signal intensity in the Subcoeruleus/Coeruleus Complex

Timeframe: time point 1 (baseline) and time point 2 (24 months, +/- 3 months)

Monopitch as measured by fundamental frequency variability.

Timeframe: time point 1 (baseline) and time point 2 (24 months, +/- 3 months)