Progression of Prodromal Markers of α-synucleinopathy Neurodegeneration in the FDRs of Patients With RBD

Idiopathic RBD is implicated as an integral part of progression of α-synucleinopathy neurodegeneration, and patients with idiopathic RBD have increased prevalence of non-motor symptoms (or prodromal markers) closely related to Parkinson's disease(PD). Moreover, the investigator's previous studies have further confirmed the familial aggregation of RBD, and first-degree relatives (FDRs) of RBD patients had more prodromal markers of Parkinson's disease compared with FDRs of healthy controls.

In these regards, current prospective study aims to map the progression and evolution of prodromal markers (including autonomic dysfunction, olfactory loss, color vision impairment, neurocognitive impairment, neuroimaging of dopamine dysfunction, daytime sleepiness and psychiatric disorders), onset of RBD, and neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, other markers, such as physical activity and circadian rhythm and tonic electromyography (EMG) activity level, which have been found to be reliably associated with Parkinson's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases. In this regard, it is also interesting to investigate whether these indicators will additionally predict the progression of prodromal markers of PD.

Inclusion criteria

• Chinese aged 40 or above;
• Being capable of giving informed consent for participation of the study;
• Sex-matched.

Exclusion criteria

• Younger than 40 years old (as the supposed neurodegenerative process may not have occurred);
• Not capable of giving informed consent for participation of the study.