RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Slowing Cognitive Decline in Alpha-synucleinopathies by Enhancing Physical Activity

This research is investigating if becoming more physically active can help protect memory and thinking skills in people who have a sleep condition called Isolated REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (iRBD). iRBD is an early sign that someone might develop conditions like Parkinson's disease in the future. The study hopes that boosting physical activity could slow down problems with brain function. Participants will use a special smartphone app for one year to help them increase their physical activity. Researchers will compare changes in memory and thinking over this period. They are looking for ways to prevent or delay the worsening of brain functions in these conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Bonn

Enrolment target

130

Start

04 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2029

Parkinson Disease Prodromal Stage Neurodegenerative Diseases Basal Ganglia Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Synucleinopathies Nervous System Diseases Cerebral Disorder Brain Diseases Parkinsonian Disorders

What is this study about?

This study is about understanding if being more physically active can help keep your memory and thinking skills sharp, especially if you have a condition called Isolated REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (iRBD). iRBD is where you act out your dreams during sleep, and doctors see it as an early warning sign that you might develop a condition like Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia later on. These diseases affect the brain and can cause problems with movement, memory, and thinking.

Currently, there aren't many treatments to specifically help with memory and thinking problems in these conditions. That's why researchers are looking into simple, everyday things that could make a big difference. They believe that increasing physical activity could have a protective effect on the brain, helping to slow down any changes that might lead to memory and thinking difficulties. If we can find ways to protect brain function early on, it could greatly improve people's quality of life.

In this study, people with iRBD will be asked to increase their physical activity levels over a year, using a special smartphone app that helps motivate them. Researchers will regularly check their memory and thinking skills to see if the increased activity makes a difference. They will also compare these results to a group of healthy people and look at things like brain scans and blood tests to get a full picture of what's happening. The hope is to find an accessible way to help people keep their brains healthy for longer.

Key takeaways

This study explores if exercise helps memory in those at risk of Parkinson's.
Participants use a smartphone app for one year to increase physical activity.
It aims to find ways to protect brain health early on.
Involves memory tests, brain scans, and blood tests.
Could help develop new strategies for brain health.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would generally need to be between 50 and 80 years old. If you have Isolated REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (iRBD), your diagnosis would need to be confirmed by a sleep test. For everyone, including healthy volunteers, you should not be doing a lot of sports or outdoor activities already (less than 2 hours a day) and usually walk fewer than 10,000 steps daily.

You also need to be comfortable using a smartphone and speak German well, as the app and study materials will be in German. You should own a smartphone that meets certain specifications (screen size 4.6 inches or bigger, Android version 9 or newer, or iOS version 15 or newer). You must also agree to be told if any other medical findings come up during the study.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include having serious heart problems, difficulties using a smartphone due to hand problems or memory issues, or if you own certain older smartphone models that aren't compatible with the study's activity tracker.

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 50 and 80 years old?
Do you speak German well enough for study materials?
Do you generally do less than 2 hours of exercise or 10,000 steps daily?
Are you comfortable using a smartphone with a screen bigger than 4.6 inches?
Do you have REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (if applicable to your group)?
Do you not have serious heart conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to increase your physical activity for a period of one year. You'll do this with the help of a special smartphone app designed to encourage and track your activity. During this year, you will have regular assessments of your memory and thinking skills. The study will also involve brain scans (MRI) and blood tests at certain times to look for other markers of brain health. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be one year, followed by data analysis.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer benefits by helping you become more physically active, which is generally good for health. It might also help us understand more about how exercise affects brain function, which could benefit many people in the future. As with any study, there could be some minor risks, such as discomfort during blood tests or MRI scans, or the time commitment involved. You might not directly notice any changes to your memory or thinking during the study. It's very important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital of Bonn
Verified postcode
Bonn, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'iRBD'?

iRBD stands for Isolated REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder. It's a sleep condition where you physically act out your dreams during sleep, and it can be an early sign of conditions like Parkinson's disease.

How will I increase my physical activity?

You will use a special smartphone app that provides motivation and guidance to help you gradually increase your daily physical activity over one year.

Will I have to take any medication?

No, this study is about physical activity and does not involve taking any new medications. You will continue to take any medicines you are already prescribed by your doctor.

How long will the study last for me?

Your active participation in the study, including using the app and attending appointments, will last for one year.

Will I know if the activity helps my memory?

The study will track your memory and thinking skills, but the main goal is research. You might not notice direct changes yourself, but the information will help others.

How to find out more

Martin M Rodemann

martin.rodemann@ukbonn.de +49 0228 287 - 19436 Official trial record

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