5 Commitments to People at Risk for Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia

Diagnose Earlier, Diagnose More

Most people with RBD remain undiagnosed for years. We've built a practical, two-step approach to change that: a brief sleep questionnaire that anyone can complete, followed — for those who screen positive — by a wearable sleep analysis using a wrist accelerometer device akin to a smartwatch. This combination lets us identify high-risk individuals at scale, across clinics, communities, and online, long before a formal diagnosis would otherwise occur.

This simple approach does not replace a formal medical diagnosis on its own, but we believe a low-cost screening model like this can eventually be implemented at scale. Testing how consumer devices could support RBD diagnosis is one of our core research priorities.

Enable Expert Care

A diagnosis is only useful if something follows from it. Individuals with symptoms consistent with RBD and those who present an injury risk for themselves or their bed partner, need to be evaluated, treated and followed by neurologists and sleep specialists with deep expertise in RBD.

As this program grows, we will also build a trusted network of qualified sleep centers and providers. Managing RBD requires experience grounded in solid and up-to-date scientific evidence. People with RBD deserve care from someone who knows this condition well.

Minimize Future Risk

The years between the first symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and the onset of Parkinson’s disease or dementia represent a unique window of opportunity—a chance to move from passive observation to proactive care and empower individuals to take charge of their brain health.

The absence of an FDA-approved therapy does not mean the absence of meaningful interventions. A comprehensive neuroprotection strategy begins with evidence-based lifestyle measures, including a healthy diet (such as the MIND diet), regular aerobic exercise, adequate daytime light exposure, and restorative sleep—including treatment of sleep apnea when present. These measures, together with careful management of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, and correction of nutritional deficiencies when needed, support overall health and may help optimize long-term brain health.

In most practices today, an RBD diagnosis marks the end of the conversation. Through this program, it marks the beginning of a journey toward a better, longer, and more meaningful life.

Accelerate Research

Every participant in our program contributes to something larger. By following a carefully characterized group of individuals over time — across wearables, biomarkers, cognition, and sleep — we are building one of the most valuable research cohorts in Parkinson's prevention.

In addition, we actively connect individuals to research opportunities, should they be available at Mount Sinai or across the US. This work is essential for validating new diagnostic tools, understanding the natural history of the disease, and accelerating clinical trials for therapies that could slow or prevent disease progression.

Raise Awareness

Underdiagnosis is not just a testing problem — it's an awareness problem. Too many providers, primary care and family physicians, geriatricians, patients, and families have never heard of RBD.

We are committed to changing that through public education, patient stories, provider training, and community outreach. The earlier RBD enters the public conversation, the earlier people can seek evaluation and access care.