Prospective memory impairment in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder
Ondrej Bezdicek1, Tomáš Nikolai1, Jiří Nepožitek1
1a First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience , Charles University and General University Hospital , Prague , Czech Republic.
The Clinical Neuropsychologist
|October 27, 2017
Summary
Prospective memory (PM) is impaired in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), specifically event-based tasks, while time-based PM remains intact. This suggests differing neurobiological underpinnings for these memory types in early neurodegeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is an early sign of neurodegeneration, characterized by dream enactment and REM sleep without muscle atonia.
- Alpha-synuclein aggregation is a pathological hallmark of iRBD, often preceding motor and cognitive symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate prospective memory (PM) function in individuals with iRBD.
- To determine if specific types of PM (time-based vs. event-based) are differentially affected in iRBD.
- To explore the relationship between PM performance and dopaminergic system integrity in iRBD.
Main Methods:
- Sixty iRBD patients and 30 healthy controls (NC) were assessed.
- Neuropsychological testing included event-based and time-based prospective memory measures.
- Dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography (DaT-SPECT) was used to assess dopaminergic neuron integrity.
Main Results:
- iRBD patients showed significant impairments in event-based PM and overall PM performance compared to NC.
- No significant differences were found in time-based PM or recognition memory between iRBD patients and NC.
- Time-based PM performance in iRBD correlated with dopaminergic neuronal loss shown by DaT-SPECT.
Conclusions:
- iRBD is associated with a distinct pattern of prospective memory deficits, primarily affecting event-based tasks.
- Event-based PM impairment may stem from deficits in episodic memory retention and recognition.
- Preserved time-based PM in iRBD appears linked to striatal dopaminergic function.
Related Concept Videos
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
1.9K
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
1.9K
01:17Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
1.1K
Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
1.1K
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
3.0K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
3.0K
01:07Narcolepsy
602
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
602
01:19Management of Insomnia
690
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
690
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
463
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
463