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Predictors of RBD progression and conversion to synucleinopathies
Edoardo Rosario de Natale1, Heather Wilson1, Marios Politis2
1Neurodegeneration Imaging Group, University of Exeter Medical School, London, UK.
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|March 11, 2022
Summary
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) may predict synucleinopathies. Research highlights biomarkers like neuroimaging for tracking progression and predicting conversion in isolated RBD (iRBD) patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Neurodegeneration
Background:
- Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is a prodromal marker for synucleinopathies.
- Isolated RBD (iRBD) represents an early stage of neurodegeneration.
- Identifying progression biomarkers is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on progression biomarkers in iRBD.
- To assess the predictive value of biomarkers for future outcomes in iRBD patients.
- To understand the potential for early diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of longitudinal research studies on iRBD.
- Analysis of various biomarker categories: clinical, neurophysiological, genetic, fluid biomarkers, and neuroimaging.
- Focus on biomarkers predicting phenoconversion to synucleinopathies.
Main Results:
- Multiple biomarkers show potential for tracking iRBD progression.
- Striatal presynaptic dopaminergic dysfunction is a promising neuroimaging biomarker.
- A multimodal biomarker approach may enhance prediction accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Biomarkers can monitor disease progression and predict conversion in iRBD.
- Early identification of iRBD patients is vital for therapeutic strategies.
- Further longitudinal studies are needed to validate biomarkers for neuroprotective interventions.
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