Quantification of Phosphorylated Alpha-synuclein in Cutaneous Biopsies as a Prospective Biomarker in Parkinson's Disease

This study aims to assess the levels of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (P-SYN) in patients with Parkinson's disease and REM Behavior Disorder using a minimally invasive skin punch biopsy. It seeks to understand the natural progression of P-SYN deposition over time to explore the potential of P-SYN quantification as a biomarker for disease progression.

This is a prospective, longitudinal study involving 75 Parkinson's disease patients and 25 patients with REM Behavior Disorder. Each participant will undergo a baseline evaluation followed by follow-ups every six months over an 18-month period. The evaluations will include clinical assessments, neurologic exams, and skin biopsies from three locations. Data will be collected on disease progression and the amount of P-SYN in cutaneous nerve fibers.