Neuroimaging and Sleep Dysfunction in Parkinson's and Parkinsonisms

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Parkinson's disease and synucleinopathies often involve significant sleep disturbances.
• Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are common and impactful symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review neuroimaging research over the past two decades.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of sleep dysfunction in synucleinopathies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of neuroimaging studies.
• Focus on studies investigating RBD and EDS in Parkinson's disease and related disorders.

Main Results:

• Neuroimaging has identified specific brain structural and functional changes associated with sleep disorders in these conditions.
• Evidence points to disruptions in brainstem, limbic, and cortical networks.

Conclusions:

• Neuroimaging provides critical insights into the pathophysiology of sleep dysfunction in Parkinson's and synucleinopathies.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.