EAN 2021 | Using video analysis to evaluate nelotanserin as symptomatic treatment for RBD in dementia

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is common in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), and poses a risk of injury to patients and their bed partners. Ambra Stefani, MD, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria, and her team, carried out a Phase II study using systematic video analysis to assess the efficacy of nelotanserin, a selective 5-HT2A inverse agonist, for the symptomatic treatment of RBD. The video analysis utilized a point system which enabled classification of each movement and vocalization, assessing severity, type, and duration. The nelotanserin-treated group and the placebo group showed no difference in RBD behaviors during video analysis. Still, from this study, a novel video analysis method was developed which quantitatively assesses muscle movements during sleep. This interview took place during the European Academy of Neurology 2021 congress.