Imaging Study of Brain Reward System Differences in Parkinsons Disease With or Without Sleep Behavior Disorder

What this Trial Is About

Impulse control disorders ICDs are common in people with Parkinsons disease PD and can significantly affect the quality of life for both patients and their families. This research aims to explore how the brains reward system, particularly dopamine D2D3 receptor availability, differs in Parkinsons patients depending on whether they have rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder RBD. Understanding these brain changes may help identify patients at higher risk of developing ICDs and support personalized care. Participants will undergo PET-MRI scans using a tracer called 11Craclopride that binds to dopamine receptors. Two scans will be performed on consecutive days one after stopping dopaminergic treatment for 12 hours Off dopamine and another one hour after taking Levodopa On dopamine. During these scans, multiple MRI sequences will also be collected to assess brain structure and function. Throughout the study, participants will be evaluated with clinical assessments, including motor scores and behavioral scales, at the start. The main measurement is dopamine receptor availability in key brain areas three months after inclusion. Researchers will also analyze brain images and behavior to understand the reward systems role in ICDs. The study lasts until 2029, with primary results expected by 2028.

PET-MRI of Reward System in Parkinson's Disease With RBD