Study of Skin Protein Markers to Identify Essential Tremor Patients at Risk of Developing Parkinsons Disease

What this Trial Is About

Essential tremor ET affects millions of adults, especially those over 60, and increases the risk of developing Parkinsons disease PD. Researchers are studying the presence of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein P-SYN in skin biopsies to identify ET patients who may have early PD-related changes and to predict which patients might later develop PD. This observational study aims to better understand the connection between ET and PD progression using a minimally invasive test. Participants diagnosed with either Essential Tremor or Essential Tremor Plus will be observed using the Syn-One Test, which detects P-SYN in skin samples. The study will track participants from enrollment through 12 and 24 months to monitor P-SYN levels and the rate at which participants develop PD symptoms. This approach offers a less invasive and more accessible alternative to current diagnostic tools like DaTscan. During the study, participants will undergo skin biopsies and regular assessments over two years. Researchers will measure the quantity of P-SYN in the skin and monitor participants for signs of phenoconversion to Parkinsons disease. The study includes close follow-up to collect data on neurological status and aims to provide insights into disease progression, with participant involvement lasting up to 24 months.

Analysis of Cutaneous Phosphorylated Alpha-Synuclein to Identify Patients at Risk of Progressing From Essential Tremor to Parkinson's Disease