REM sleep behaviour disorder in Parkinson's disease (Review)

• Published in: Experimental and therapeutic medicine Vol. 22; no. 2; p. 812
• Main Authors: Diaconu, Stefania, Falup-Pecurariu, Oana, Tint, Diana, Falup-Pecurariu, Cristian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Athens Spandidos Publications 01.08.2021; Spandidos Publications UK Ltd; D.A. Spandidos
• Subjects: Biomarkers; Care and treatment; Diagnosis; Eye movements; Neurodegeneration; Parkinson's disease; Psychological aspects; REM sleep behavior disorder; Review; Romania
• ISSN: 1792-0981; 1792-1015
• DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10244

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia defined by simple or complex abnormal movements occurring in REM state, instead of the physiological muscular atonia. RBD may be idiopathic, or secondary as in the case of Parkinson's disease (PD). Several studies have confirmed that idiopathic RBD may precede with several years the onset of the specific motor characteristics of PD. The high prevalence of RBD in PD (19-70%) may be explained by several common pathophysiological pathways, mainly related to the dopaminergic cell loss. RBD is also associated with several comorbidities, including cognitive impairment, hallucinations, dysautonomia, or daytime sleepiness. The gold standard investigation for the diagnosis and assessment of RBD is video polysomnography, but in clinical practice, the use of clinical scales and questionnaires is reasonable for the screening of this complex parasomnia. Management options include ensuring a safe environment for the patient and pharmacological treatment, including clonazepam, melatonin or certain antiparkinsonian drugs. Key words: sleep, REM sleep behaviour disorder, Parkinson's disease, assessment, outcome