Alzheimer's Society comment on research suggesting that sleep disorder may be an early sign of dementia or Parkinson's disease
Published 25 December 2008
People who act out their dreams through kicking and crying out in their sleep may go on to develop dementia or Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in the online issue of Neurology.
In the research 93 people with REM sleep behaviour disorder who had no signs of a neurodegenerative disease were followed for an average of five years. 26 participants developed a neurodegenerative disease - fourteen developed Parkinson's disease, seven Lewy body dementia and four Alzheimer's disease.
Lewy body dementia is very rare, affecting just 4% of all dementia cases in the UK. It shares symptoms with both Parkinsons and Alzheimer's.
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Lewy body dementia is very rare, affecting just 4% of all dementia cases in the UK. It shares symptoms with both Parkinsons and Alzheimer's.
People with Lewy body dementia often have vivid nightmares, restless sleep and hallucinations. This study suggests that people with the disease may experience sleep disorders years before these other symptoms develop.Dr Susanne Sorensen
One million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years. This important finding could boost our understanding of how Lewy body dementia develops and help us detect it early. With further research we may be able to stop this devastating disease in its tracks. With the right investment, dementia can be defeated.
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
