Post-Mortem Neuropathology of Idiopathic RBD: A Case Series

A recent publication from a large RBD cohort in Spain examined postmortem brain tissue from individuals who had RBD. This study showed there was abnormal synuclein in the cells that control atonia (muscle paralysis) during REM sleep in all the participants.

Moreover, there was evidence of other disease processes such as Alzheimer disease, tau pathology, and others, in the majority of participants. This study provides strong evidence that RBD in most cases represents a very early, prodromal symptom of synuclein disease in the brain. The findings also highlight the importance of brain donation, and the tremendous information scientists can learn even from one person.