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Epigenetic clocks suggest accelerated aging in patients with isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Luca Baldelli1,2, Chiara Pirazzini3, Luisa Sambati2
1Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DiBiNeM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
NPJ Parkinson'S Disease
|March 30, 2023
Summary
Isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD) indicates future neurodegeneration. This study found that iRBD patients show accelerated biological aging, suggesting a link between aging and prodromal neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Genetics
Background:
- Isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD) is a key early sign of α-synucleinopathies.
- The connection between aging mechanisms and prodromal neurodegeneration is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate biological aging in individuals with iRBD.
- To explore the relationship between accelerated aging and prodromal neurodegeneration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks to assess biological age.
- Included patients with confirmed iRBD (via videopolysomnography), controls without iRBD (videopolysomnography-negative), and population-based controls.
Main Results:
- Individuals with iRBD demonstrated a trend towards being epigenetically older compared to control groups.
- This finding suggests accelerated aging is associated with the prodromal phase of neurodegeneration.
Conclusions:
- Accelerated epigenetic aging may be a characteristic feature of prodromal neurodegeneration in iRBD.
- This research highlights a potential link between aging processes and the early stages of α-synucleinopathies.
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