Actively Recruiting
Neuroplasticity in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Led by University of Minnesota · Updated on 2026-05-04
86
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a sleep condition linked to brain changes involving alpha-synuclein proteins, which often predict future development of Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or multiple system atrophy. This research studies brain changes and their progression over 30 to 36 months in people with RBD compared to matched healthy controls. The goal is to understand how brain adaptations during early disease stages may delay visible symptoms and diagnosis. Participants will undergo a series of assessments at the start of the study and again about two years later. Each visit includes eight sessions covering MRI brain scans, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) tests targeting motor and prefrontal brain regions, motor function tests, neuropsychological evaluations, and overnight sleep studies using polysomnography. These measures aim to track changes in brain connectivity, excitability, and clinical signs over time. During the study, participants will attend multiple visits involving detailed brain imaging, motor and cognitive testing, and sleep monitoring. The research team will measure changes in brain structure and function, mood, memory, and cognitive tests such as the Beck Depression Inventory and various dementia rating scales. Participants will be observed over several years to monitor disease progression and brain changes, with safety and consent carefully managed throughout the trial.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Neuroplasticity in RBD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of polysomnogram-confirmed isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) for the iRBD group
- Ability to walk independently without an assistive device for 50 meters
- Age between 21 and 75 years
- For control group: age 21 to 75 years and ability to walk independently without an assistive device for 50 meters
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of dementia or impaired capacity to consent
- History of musculoskeletal disorders significantly affecting limb movement
- Other significant neurological disorders affecting study participation
- Antidepressant-associated REM sleep behavior disorder
- Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, Alzheimer's disease, or other neurodegenerative disorders
- Untreated sleep-disordered breathing
- Pregnant women
- History of seizures, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury (for TMS experiments)
- Recent frequent syncope episodes
- Presence of intracranial metallic or magnetic devices
- Presence of pacemakers or implanted devices
- History of surgery on blood vessels, brain, or heart
- Unexplained recurring headaches or concussion within last six months
- Severe hearing impairment
- Use of medications affecting neuroplasticity testing such as haloperidol, prazosin, biperiden, dopamine modulators, NMDA receptor and calcium channel modulators, GABAergic drugs, lithium, lovastatin, and cannabis
- Control group exclusions: history of dream enactment suggesting iRBD, untreated sleep-disordered breathing, parkinsonism, cognitive impairment, active CNS or psychiatric conditions, or use of psychoactive medications affecting cognition or motor function
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - At baseline
Participants undergo baseline assessments including MRI scanning, TMS-motor and TMS-prefrontal tests, motor assessments, neuropsychological testing, and overnight sleep testing (polysomnography).
8 visits (in-person) at baseline
Duration - Approximately 2 years
Participants are monitored for natural progression over time. Follow-up assessments include the same testing sessions as baseline to evaluate changes over approximately 2 years.
8 visits (in-person) approximately 2 years after baseline
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55455
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Madison Wylie, MS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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