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Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: July 24, 2019
Reduced rapid eye movement sleep latency in patients with Parkinson's disease
V S Kostić1, V Susić, N Covicković-Sternić
1Department of Neurology UCC, School of Medicine, Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
Abstract:
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency (time from sleep onset to the first REM episode) was measured in 39 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Reduced REM sleep latency (less than or equal to 65.0 min) was found in a high proportion of patients (69%). Since reduced REM sleep latency may be a trait-like abnormality relatively specific to primary depression, we evaluated this parameter in two groups of parkinsonian patients: depressed (16 patients) and non-depressed (23 patients). Its incidence was significantly higher in depressed patients with Parkinson's disease.
Insights
Parkinson's disease patients often experience reduced Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep latency. This sleep abnormality is more prevalent in those with co-occurring depression, suggesting a link between REM sleep and mood in Parkinson's.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Reduced REM sleep latency is a potential biomarker.
- Its association with depression is established.
- Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate REM sleep latency in IPD patients.
- To determine if reduced REM sleep latency is common in IPD.
- To explore the relationship between REM sleep latency and depression in IPD.
Main Methods:
- Measured REM sleep latency in 39 IPD patients.
- Compared latency between depressed and non-depressed IPD subgroups.
- Defined reduced REM sleep latency as ≤ 65.0 minutes.
Main Results:
- 69% of IPD patients exhibited reduced REM sleep latency.
- The incidence of reduced REM sleep latency was significantly higher in depressed IPD patients compared to non-depressed IPD patients.
Conclusions:
- Reduced REM sleep latency is a frequent finding in IPD.
- Depression may exacerbate or be associated with REM sleep abnormalities in Parkinson's disease.
- REM sleep latency could be a relevant clinical marker in IPD management.
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