What are the recommended treatments for REM sleep behavior disorder in someone with long-standing Parkinson's?
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) causes people to physically act out their dreams during sleep, which can lead to injury for both the person with Parkinson's and their bed partner. This is a common sleep issue Show Full Answer
What are the recommended treatments for REM sleep behavior disorder in someone with long-standing Parkinson's?
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) causes people to physically act out their dreams during sleep, which can lead to injury for both the person with Parkinson's and their bed partner. This is a common sleep issue that occurs alongside Parkinson's.
Treatment approaches typically include:
Medication adjustments: Your neurologist may review current Parkinson's medications, as some can affect sleep patterns. They might adjust timing or dosages to help reduce nighttime symptoms.
Safety measures: Making the bedroom safer is important - removing sharp objects, padding bed edges, or even using separate sleeping arrangements if needed to prevent injury during episodes.
Sleep medications: In some cases, doctors may prescribe specific medications to help manage RBD symptoms and improve sleep quality.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS): For people who've had Parkinson's for at least four years and meet other criteria, DBS surgery has shown effectiveness for sleep problems related to Parkinson's, including RBD.
Since this involves a 71-year-old with over 20 years of Parkinson's, it's especially important to work closely with a neurologist or sleep specialist. They can evaluate the specific situation, rule out other contributing factors, and create a personalized treatment plan that balances safety with quality of life.
April 12
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