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Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: July 24, 2019
Sleepwalking in Parkinson's disease: a questionnaire-based survey
Michael Oberholzer1, Rositsa Poryazova, Claudio L Bassetti
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
Journal of Neurology
|February 5, 2011
Summary
Sleepwalking is more common in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients than in the general population. This sleep disorder is associated with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), hallucinations, and nightmares in PD.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Sleepwalking (SW) is a complex sleep disorder involving locomotion and amnesia, affecting 10% of children and 2-3% of adults.
- Previous retrospective studies indicated a potential link between adult-onset SW and Parkinson's disease (PD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess the frequency and characteristics of SW in PD patients.
- To investigate the association between SW and other sleep disorders, particularly REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), in PD.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to members of the Swiss national PD patient organization.
- The questionnaire assessed sleep quality, SW, RBD, and PD characteristics.
- Data from 417 PD patients were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 9% of PD patients reported SW, with 5% experiencing adult-onset SW.
- SW in PD patients was linked to longer disease duration, increased hallucinations, and nightmares.
- Patients with SW showed higher scores suggestive of RBD and a trend towards increased daytime sleepiness.
Conclusions:
- SW is more prevalent in PD patients compared to the general population.
- SW in PD is associated with RBD, nightmares, and hallucinations.
- Further polysomnographic studies are required to confirm these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
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