Rapid-Eye-Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder

This book describes a sleep disorder belonging to the category of parasomnias (i.e. the sleep behavioral and experiential disorders) characterized by abnormal vocal and motor behaviors in the context of vivid dreams and loss of the customary muscle atonia during the stage of sleep called REM sleep. REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) was first described in 1986; since then the understanding of the condition has increased substantially. One particularly significant aspect of the disorder is its strong association with the development of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by alpha synuclein deposition, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy and dementia with Lewy bodies. RBD is now considered one of the earliest markers of ongoing neurodegeneration and provides a window of opportunity for testing disease modifying therapies that may halt the progression of these disorders for which there is currently no cure.

Additionally, RBD is now known to be present in up to 50% of patients with narcolepsy-cataplexy, and can also be triggered by the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medications (e.g. SSRIs, venlafaxine). RBD has been documented as occurring, with variable frequency, with virtually every category of neurologic disease.
The volume Editors have pioneered scientific and clinical advances in the field and, with this book, have produced an invaluable guide to specialists in sleep medicine, neurologists, psychiatrist and psychologists.