Causal Associations between Tea Consumption and Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder: A Mendelian Randomization...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing concern.
• REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) may precede neurodegenerative conditions.
• The link between tea consumption and RBD is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between tea consumption and RBD.
• To assess if tea intake is a protective factor against RBD.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study.
• Employed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for genetic instrumental variables.
• Conducted sensitivity analyses, including multivariate MR, to ensure robustness.

Main Results:

• A significant inverse causal association was found between tea consumption and RBD (OR = 0.046).
• Results were consistent across multiple analytical methods.
• No evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy was detected.

Conclusions:

• Tea consumption demonstrates a robust protective association with REM sleep behavior disorder.
• Findings suggest tea intake may play a role in preventing RBD.