REM Sleep Disorder Linked to Brain Disease

Researchers in Spain say patients with REM sleep behavior disorder may later suffer from Parkinson’s disease, dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

The study tracked 44 patients from the Unit of Sleep Disorder of the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona since 1991. All these patients presented idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder and suffered unpleasant dreams and express uneasiness by screaming, crying, kicking, punching and even falling from their beds.

Twenty of the patients, who had been diagnosed in the center, developed a neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

This incidence is much higher than what is expected in the general population of the same age and gender, so scientists believe the sleep disorder permits the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.

The findings are published in the July issue of Lancet Neurology.