Synaptic Density and Progression of Parkinson's Disease.

Longitudinal Measurement of Synaptic Density to Monitor Progression of Parkinson's Disease.

AIM: To assess synaptic density and to investigate the potential relationship of regional synaptic loss with motor and non-motor symptoms and with disease progression in the human brain in vivo in patients with PD.

DESIGN: We will include 30 PD patients and 20 healthy controls. All subjects will undergo a clinical examination, with comprehensive assessment of motor and non-motor symptoms, and imaging evaluation consisting of 11C-UCB-J PET-CT and 18F-FE-PE2I PET-MR at baseline and after 2 years.

Inclusion Criteria:

• PD diagnosis based on MDS clinical diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease
• Less than 5 years disease duration since motor symptom onset according to the patient
• Hoehn-Yahr stage 1 or 2 in medication ON state
• Capacity to understand the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neuropsychiatric diseases other than PD
• Major internal medical diseases
• Relevant abnormalities on MR brain
• History of alcohol or drug abuse
• Contraindications for MR
• Pregnancy
• Previous participation in other research studies involving ionizing radiation with > 1 mSv over past 12 months.