Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on July 29, 2010
Researchers believe a new study suggests a particular sleep disorder may be a sign of dementia or Parkinson’s disease up to 50 years before the disorders are diagnosed.
Scientists used Mayo Clinic records to identify 27 people who experienced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder for at least 15 years before developing one of three conditions: Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies or multiple system atrophy.
Multiple system atrophy is a disorder that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.
People with REM sleep behavior disorder often act out their dreams with violent movements, such as punching, which can injure themselves or bed partners.
The research is published in the July 28, 2010, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Read in Full:Â http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/07/29/rem-sleep-disorder-as-early-warning-of-neurologic-impairment/16180.html
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