Mia's Feed
Medical News & Research

Sleep Disorders as Potential Early Signs of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Sleep Disorders as Potential Early Signs of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Share this article

Emerging research links sleep disorders like REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) to the early development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia, offering promising avenues for early diagnosis and intervention.

2 min read

Recent research highlights the significance of sleep disorders, particularly REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), as early indicators of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia (LBD). Conducted at the Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine (CARSM) at Montreal's Sacré-Coeur Hospital, the studies involve patients who exhibit abnormal behaviors during REM sleep, such as punching, kicking, and screaming—which are deviations from the typical muscle paralysis seen during dreaming. Unlike sleepwalking, which occurs during slow-wave sleep, RBD manifests during REM sleep and usually affects individuals around middle age.

While factors like antidepressant use and sleep apnea can contribute to RBD, its presence is particularly concerning due to its strong association with the development of Parkinsonian syndromes and LBD. Nearly 90% of individuals diagnosed with RBD eventually develop these neurodegenerative diseases. Experts are actively investigating the brain atrophy patterns linked to RBD to understand disease progression better, with preliminary findings being published in eBioMedicine.

Through advanced imaging and machine learning, researchers have identified two distinct patterns of brain deterioration: one starting in the cortex and spreading inward, associated with LBD, and another beginning inward and progressing outward, common in Parkinson's disease. These insights aim to facilitate early detection and personalized treatment strategies by enabling clinicians to identify disease stages from MRI scans more objectively than traditional assessments.

The overarching goal is to discover reliable biomarkers that can predict disease progression, allowing for timely interventions. This research underscores the importance of sleep disorder screenings in at-risk populations as a potential window for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, ultimately advancing efforts to develop more effective treatments.

Stay Updated with Mia's Feed

Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.

How often would you like updates?

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Related Articles

New Algorithm Unveils the Brain's Small Region Critical for Motivation

Discover how a tiny brain area called the VTA encodes not only reward predictions but also their precise timing, revealing new insights into motivation and learning through advanced AI techniques.

Challenges in Monitoring Measles Spread in Florida Due to Lack of Public Data

Florida's removal of public disease-tracking data has created gaps in monitoring measles and other infectious diseases, raising concerns about outbreak detection and public health safety.

Challenges in Implementing Scotland's Safe Staffing Act: Impacts on Nursing Care Quality

A recent study reveals significant challenges in implementing Scotland's Health and Care Act 2019, impacting nurse staffing levels and care quality nationwide. The Act's complex provisions and workforce issues threaten to hinder its intended safety improvements.