Sleep disorders mark PD progression

REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) and REM sleep without atonia (RWA) increase significantly over time in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Both phenomena may therefore be regarded as a progression marker for PD, according to German researchers [1].

In a cohort of de novo PD patients, RBD and RWA were analysed using video-supported polysomnography (vPSG). In 158 participants, the proportion of patients with RBD rose from 25% at baseline to 52% at 6 years. In the subsequent RWA analysis, 31 patients with RBD were included for whom a complete set of 4 vPSG readings (at baseline, 2 years, 4 years, and 6 years) was available. The mean age of this group at baseline was 60 years. Over 6 years, RWA increased from baseline by 0.26 points every 2 years on a logarithmic scale (P<0.001). The rate of RWA rose from 19% at baseline, to 29% at 2 years, 33% at 4 years, and 41% at 6 years (P<0.001). Age was the only independent factor influencing RWA increase (P=0.04). Sex, levodopa equivalent daily dose, Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), and benzodiazepine intake did not have any statistical significant influence.

1. Muntean M-L, et al. Abstract O4021, EAN 2020.

 



Posted on 9 September, 202020 February, 2024