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Published on: August 8, 2011
Frequent nocturnal vocalization in pure autonomic failure
K Kashihara1, M Ohno, S Kawada
1Department of Neurology, Okayama Kyokuto Hospital, 567-1 Kuraka, Okayama, Japan. kkashi@kyokuto.or.jp
The Journal of International Medical Research
|June 7, 2008
Summary
Patients with pure autonomic failure (PAF) experience frequent nocturnal vocalization and dream enactments, similar to Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) patients. These REM sleep behavior disorder symptoms may indicate underlying neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by nocturnal vocalization and is common in Parkinson's disease (PD).
- Pure autonomic failure (PAF) is a synucleinopathy that can precede or overlap with PD and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).
- Understanding sleep disturbances in PAF is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of nocturnal vocalization and other sleep problems in patients with pure autonomic failure (PAF).
- To compare sleep disturbance patterns in PAF with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).
Main Methods:
- Patient-caregiver interviews were conducted.
- Included were patients with PAF (n=13), IPD (n=200), DLB (n=19), and ischemic stroke controls (n=43).
- Data collected focused on nocturnal vocalization, dream enactments, vivid dreams, night awakenings, and daytime sleepiness.
Main Results:
- Nocturnal vocalization occurred with similar frequency in PAF, IPD, and DLB.
- Dream enactments and vivid dreams were more frequent in PAF, IPD, and DLB compared to controls.
- Excessive night awakenings and daytime sleepiness were common in IPD but rare in PAF and controls.
Conclusions:
- RBD-like symptoms, including nocturnal vocalization and dream enactments, are prevalent in PAF.
- Sleep disturbances are a significant clinical manifestation in PAF, mirroring those seen in IPD and DLB.
- These findings suggest potential shared pathophysiology and the importance of assessing sleep in PAF patients.
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