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

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male and female 50 to 85 years of age

2. Clinical confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or REM Sleep Behavior

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Clinical evidence of severe vascular disease (history of ulceration, poor woundhealing or vascular claudication)

2. History of allergic reaction to Lidocaine for local anesthesia needed for skinbiopsies

3. Use of blood thinners (Plavix or Aspirin used separately is allowed)

4. Significantly impaired wound healing or history of scarring or keloid formation