Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

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

This study explores a common issue in Parkinson's disease called impulse control disorders (ICDs), which are strong urges to repeat certain behaviours like gambling or excessive shopping. These can really affect quality of life. We know that some Parkinson's medications can increase the risk of ICDs, and recently, a sleep condition called RBD (rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder) has also been linked. The research uses a special type of brain scan called PET-MRI to look at the 'reward system' in the brain. This system is involved in feelings of pleasure and motivation. Scientists want to see if there are differences in this system between Parkinson's patients who have RBD and those who don't, and how these differences might make someone more likely to develop ICDs. Understanding this could help doctors predict who is at higher risk and tailor their treatment better.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2029

Parkinson's Disease (PD)

What is this study about?

When someone has Parkinson's disease, they might sometimes develop what are called impulse control disorders (ICDs). These aren't intentional choices but rather strong urges or behaviours that can be hard to stop, such as gambling, overspending, or eating too much. These can be very challenging for the person with Parkinson's and their family, impacting their everyday lives.

We know that the medicines used to treat Parkinson's, especially those that boost a brain chemical called dopamine, can sometimes lead to ICDs. More recently, doctors have also noticed a link between ICDs and a sleep problem called Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD), where people act out their dreams. This study wants to find out more about why some people with Parkinson's develop ICDs, especially those who also have RBD.

The researchers will use a special scanning technique called PET-MRI. This scan helps them look closely at a part of the brain called the 'reward system'. This system is responsible for how we experience pleasure, learn new things, and make decisions. By comparing the brains of Parkinson's patients with and without RBD, the study hopes to spot differences in this reward system. They are particularly interested in certain brain receptors (like tiny docking stations for brain chemicals) and how they might be affected.

The goal is to understand if having RBD means there are specific changes in the brain's reward system that make someone more likely to develop ICDs. If doctors can identify these changes, it could help them predict who is at higher risk. This would mean they could offer more personalised care and make more informed decisions about treatments, helping to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's.

Key takeaways

Understanding why some Parkinson's patients develop compulsive behaviours.
Using advanced brain scans (PET-MRI) to look at the 'reward system'.
Investigating the link between a sleep disorder (RBD) and these behaviours.
Aiming for more personalised Parkinson's treatments in the future.
Participation involves a brain scan and contributing to medical knowledge.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are between 45 and 80 years old and have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. You'll need to have had Parkinson's for 3 to 7 years and have been taking a common Parkinson's medication called levodopa for at least a year.

You won't be able to join if you have other serious neurological conditions, or if you have severe depression, difficulties with memory or thinking (cognitive impairment), or already have any impulse control disorders. Also, if your Parkinson's symptoms are very severe, or if you have certain medical devices like a pacemaker, or severe claustrophobia, you wouldn't be able to participate due to the nature of the brain scans.

Ultimately, you need to be able to understand what the study involves and be willing to give your permission to take part. This ensures the study is safe and comfortable for everyone involved.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 45 and 80 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease?
Have you had Parkinson's for 3 to 7 years?
Have you been taking levodopa for at least one year?
Do you feel able to understand and cooperate with study requirements?
Do you have any metal implants or devices that would prevent an MRI scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main intervention will be a special type of brain scan called a PET-MRI. You will have to lie still inside the scanner for a period of time. Before the scan, a small amount of a safe, temporary tracing substance will be given to you, either through an injection or as part of the scan process, to help highlight specific areas in your brain. The researchers will be looking at how certain brain chemicals are behaving.

The study will involve at least one visit for the scan and possibly other assessments to check your symptoms and review your medical history. There will be no changes to your current Parkinson's medication as part of the study; it's purely observational. The total duration of your participation will depend on the study's design, but typically, this type of research involves a single scanning session and related appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any research study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is contributing to a better understanding of Parkinson's disease and impulse control disorders, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies in the future. The risks mainly relate to the PET-MRI scan, which involves a small exposure to radiation from the tracer, similar to background radiation we experience daily, and the possibility of claustrophobia within the scanner. There's also the time commitment involved. You will receive a full explanation of any risks before you decide to participate, and importantly, you are always free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand,
Verified postcode
Clermont-Ferrand, France
CH Le Puy en Velay
Verified postcode
Le Puy-en-Velay, France

Common questions

What are Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs)?

ICDs are urges or behaviours that are hard to stop, like gambling, excessive shopping, or overeating, and can affect people with Parkinson's.

What is RBD?

RBD, or REM sleep behaviour disorder, is a sleep problem where people physically act out their dreams during sleep.

What is a PET-MRI scan?

It's a special type of brain scan that combines two powerful imaging techniques (PET and MRI) to get a very detailed picture of how your brain is working.

Will my medication change if I join the study?

No, this study will not change your current Parkinson's medication. It's an observational study, meaning researchers are looking at what's already happening.

Does getting a PET-MRI hurt?

The scan itself is painless. You'll need to lie still, and there might be a small injection of a safe, temporary tracer. Some people might find lying in the scanner uncomfortable if they are claustrophobic.

How to find out more

Lise LACLAUTRE

promo_interne_drci@chu-clermontferrand.fr +334.73.754.963 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.