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Characterizing Peripheral Alpha-Synuclein Pathology in Parkinson’s Disease, Atypical Parkinsonism and their prodromal states

Parkinson's Disease | Neurological Disorders

This study is being done to see if small skin samples can help doctors tell the difference between Parkinson’s disease and other similar movement disorders, like multiple system atrophy (MSA). These conditions can be hard to tell apart using normal tests.
We are also studying people with isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). This is a sleep condition where people act out their dreams because their muscles don’t relax during REM sleep. iRBD is important because some people with this condition may develop Parkinson’s disease or another related disorder later on.
The purpose of this research study is to look at tiny skin samples for a protein called alpha-synuclein. This protein may show up in different patterns in Parkinson’s disease, MSA, and iRBD. By studying these patterns, we hope to help doctors make earlier and more accurate diagnoses in the future.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    Male, Female, Intersex

  • Eligible Ages:

    18 and up

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:
• 18 years of age or older
• Having a clinical diagnosis of isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), Parkinson's Disease or other types of Atypical Parkinsonism
• You can also be part as Healthy Control if you do not have any personal or family history of neurodegenerative disease.

Exclusion Criteria:
-People younger than 18 years old cannot take part.
-People who take blood-thinning medicine, have poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, or have a weak immune system cannot take part because they have a higher risk of bleeding, slow healing, or infection.
-People who cannot properly take care of the wound after the procedure, and do not have enough help from a caregiver, cannot take part to avoid problems with healing.

Study Location

University of Calgary
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

Contact Study Team

Study Sponsored By
University of Calgary
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: REB25-1809