How Can I Participate?

If you are 18 to 85 years old and have a history of acting out your dreams or repeated episodes of sleep-related complex motor behaviors and have been diagnosed with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) you may be eligible. 40 patients will be enrolled with a clinical diagnosis of RBD and 40 patients with RBD confirmed by sleep study (polysomnogram) will be enrolled.

Participate in three in-person visits that take approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours for each visit. One initial visit and follow-up visits at Year 1 and Year 2.

At each visit you will: 
- Complete an in-person history and examination with research staff
- Provide 3 small skin biopsy samples taken by a healthcare provider

You will earn $300 for your participation ($100 for each visit). If you are interested in participating, click the 'Find a Site' button below to connect with the study team closest to you!   
 

Find a Site
Plaque psoriasis image

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Syn-One Test®?

The Syn-One Test procedure takes about 15 minutes to perform, and can be done in a doctor's office by a licensed healthcare professional. The skin is numbed, and small skin samples are taken from the back of the neck, just above the knee, and just above the ankle. The samples are small enough that stitches are not required.  

What is RBD? 

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, or RBD, is a condition that causes people to act out their dreams, often with violent movements and vocalizations. Individuals with RBD may kick, punch, jump out of bed, yell, and laugh in their sleep, sometimes causing distress to their sleeping partner.

How is RBD Connected to Parkinson's? 

RBD and Parkinson's disease share the presence of a misfolded protein called alpha-synuclein, which clumps together in nerves throughout the body. The presence of alpha-synuclein, depending on other clinical symptoms, results in a high likelihood that someone will have a disease like Parkinson's over time.

What is the Goal of the Study?

The Syn-One Test is helping scientists predict when RBD is going to change and develop into a neurological disease like Parkinson's. This will help scientists find clues to better understand the protein and potential disease pathways, and gives doctors and patients the chance to develop treatment plans and participate in research.   

Who Can Participate?

Individuals who fit the below criteria can participate. You are eligible if: 

  • You are a male or female aged 18-85 years old
  • You have experienced repeated episodes of sleep related  vocalizations and/or complex motor behaviors
  • You have REM sleep without atonia and a history of dream enactment

 

You are not eligible to participate if: 

  • You have a MoCa Score <19 or a Hoehn & Yahr score >/= 1
  • You have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
  • You have a diagnosis of dementia of any type 
  • You have a diagnosis of multiple system atrophy 
  • You have REM sleep behavior/disturbances that are secondary to another cause (e.g., narcolepsy, dementia, and Parkinson's disease) 

 

You have a contra-indication to skin biopsy: 

  • Clinical evidence of severe vascular disease (history of ulceration, poor wound healing, and vascular claudication) 
  • History of allergic reaction to local anesthesia (Lidocaine)
  • Use of blood thinners (Plavix or Aspirin taken separately is allowed) 
  • Significantly impaired wound healing or history of scarring or keloid formation 
Email
Download
Print