REM Sleep Disorder Doubles Risk Of Mild Cognitive Impairment/Parkinson’s

By Joel Streed For Mayo Clinic News Network

People with symptoms suggesting (REM) rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, have twice the risk of developing (MCI) mild cognitive impairment  or Parkinson’s disease within four years of diagnosis of the sleep problem,  compared with people without the disorder.       

 “Understanding that certain patients are at greater risk for MCI or Parkinson’s disease will allow for early intervention, which is vital in the case of such disorders that destroy brain cells. Although we are still searching for effective treatments, our best chance of success is to identify and treat these disorders early, before cell death,” says co-author and Mayo Clinic neurologist Brad Boeve, M.D.