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Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: July 24, 2019
Sleep and impulsivity in Parkinson's disease
Michael K Scullin1, Ann B Sollinger, Julia Land
1Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1841 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders
|July 25, 2013
Summary
Impulsive behaviors in Parkinson's disease (PD) are linked to worse sleep efficiency and more daytime sleepiness. These findings highlight the connection between impulsivity and sleep disturbances in PD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Impulsive behavior and poor sleep are significant non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD).
- These symptoms substantially reduce the quality of life for patients and their families.
- Prior studies indicated more sleep complaints in PD patients with impulsive behaviors, but detailed analysis was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively investigate the nature of sleep disturbances associated with impulsive behaviors in Parkinson's disease patients.
- To determine the specific sleep characteristics linked to impulsivity in PD.
Main Methods:
- 143 idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients underwent the Minnesota Impulse Disorder Interview.
- A sleep questionnaire assessed sleep efficiency, daytime sleepiness, restless legs, snoring, dreams, and nocturia.
- Patients also received motor examinations (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale) and cognitive testing.
Main Results:
- Patients with impulsive behaviors reported significantly more sleep complaints than non-impulsive patients.
- Poor sleep efficiency, characterized by increased nocturnal awakenings, was a primary difference (p < .01).
- Impulsive PD patients also experienced greater daytime sleepiness (p < .01) and restless legs symptoms (p < .05).
Conclusions:
- Poor sleep efficiency, restless legs symptoms, and increased daytime sleepiness are significantly associated with impulsivity in Parkinson's disease.
- Further longitudinal research is required to ascertain if sleep disturbances precede the development of impulsivity in PD.
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