Natural History Study of Synucleinopathies

What this Trial Is About

Synucleinopathies are rare neurodegenerative diseases that involve abnormal buildup of the protein alpha-synuclein in the nervous system, often leading to worsening neurological problems. These diseases usually start in late adulthood, typically after age 50, and can cause movement slowing, coordination issues, or mild cognitive problems. Common diagnoses include Parkinson disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). In some cases, symptoms begin with autonomic nerve issues such as unexplained constipation or urinary problems before brain involvement develops. This study aims to understand how these diseases progress and identify biological markers that predict their evolution. The study is observational and follows patients diagnosed with synucleinopathies, including those in the early "pre-motor" stage showing mainly autonomic impairments or REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Participants will be monitored over time through a series of follow-up visits at participating centers. The study will document clinical features, track disease markers, and define the natural history of MSA, which is noted as the most aggressive form. Different patient groups include those with RBD, MSA, pure autonomic failure, PD, and DLB. Participants will undergo clinical evaluations to observe symptoms and disease progression. Researchers will collect data on autonomic function and biomarkers to help predict which patients develop motor or cognitive problems. The primary goal is to create a detailed database of autonomic disorders over five years, with a focus on defining disease milestones and identifying predictive biomarkers. This long-term monitoring will help guide future clinical trials and improve understanding of these complex disorders.

Natural History Study of Synucleinopathies