Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Manipulation of Gene Function in Mexican Cavefish
Published on: April 22, 2019
Sleep disorders in Machado-Joseph disease
José Luiz Pedroso1, Pedro Braga-Neto, Alberto R M Martinez
1aDivision of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo bDivision of Neurology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará cCenter of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Ceará, Fortaleza dDepartment of Neurology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, São Paulo, Campinas eUniversity of Fortaleza, Ceará, Fortaleza fNeuro-Sono Sleep Center, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) frequently causes various sleep disorders, including restless legs syndrome and insomnia. Recognizing and treating these sleep issues is crucial for patient well-being.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, involves widespread neurodegeneration.
- Non-motor symptoms are common in MJD, significantly impacting patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical features of sleep disorders in MJD.
- To explore the pathophysiology of sleep disturbances in Machado-Joseph disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical features and pathophysiology of sleep disorders in MJD.
- Analysis of pathological findings related to MJD and sleep disturbances.
Main Results:
- Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in MJD patients.
- Common sleep disorders include restless legs syndrome, REM sleep behavior disorder, insomnia, and sleep apnea.
- Pathophysiology of MJD-related sleep disorders is complex and not fully understood.
Conclusions:
- Sleep disorders are a significant and treatable manifestation of Machado-Joseph disease.
- Early recognition of sleep complaints in MJD is essential for management.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in MJD.
More Related Videos
05:59Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System
Published on: October 20, 2023
06:23A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
Published on: September 22, 2020
Related Concept Videos
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Management of Insomnia
Narcolepsy
Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...