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REM Behavior Disorder in Adults

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Parasomnias

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Abstract

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by loss of REM sleep atonia and clinical manifestations of dream reenactment. Patients typically present at the request of bed partners due to the often violent and dangerous nature of this nighttime disorder. RBD can present at any age, and is frequently associated with narcolepsy in the younger population. Older patients presenting with idiopathic RBD have a significant risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions. RBD is associated with other changes in the central nervous system (CNS) such as decreased olfaction, visuospatial issues, and mild slowing on electroencephalography (EEG). Treatment involves ensuring environmental safety, eliminating predisposing factors, and initiating medications such as clonazepam and melatonin. Given the relationship of RBD to neurodegenerative conditions, RBD represents a unique opportunity to understand the neuroanatomical basis for REM sleep-related mechanisms and may be a leading indicator for patients who may benefit from neuroprotective treatments for these neurodegenerative diseases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Neurology Sleep Medicine Program, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC 3936, 27705, Durham, NC, USA

    Sujay Kansagra M.D.

  2. Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, CB 7025, 27599-7025, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Prof. Bradley V. Vaughn M.D.

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  1. Sujay Kansagra M.D.
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Correspondence to Sujay Kansagra M.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Harvard Medical School, Associate Professor, Department of Neuro, Boston Children's Hospital, Longwood Avenue 300, Boston, 02115, Massachusetts, USA

    Sanjeev V. Kothare

  2. Feinberg School of Medicine, Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Northwestern University, Biesterfield Road 800, Elk Grove Village, 60007, Illinois, USA

    Anna Ivanenko

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Kansagra, S., Vaughn, B. (2013). REM Behavior Disorder in Adults. In: Kothare, S., Ivanenko, A. (eds) Parasomnias. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7627-6_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7627-6_15

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