Prevalence and Factors of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

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REM sleep behavior disorder is more prevalent in the aging population, affecting between 5 to 13% of adults aged 60 to 99, with a higher occurrence in men over 60 years old. The onset of symptoms typically happens in the 60s and 70s, but can occur earlier. In younger cohorts, the disorder is equally distributed between males and females. There is also a higher risk of individuals with psychiatric disorders developing REM sleep behavior disorder, although the reasons behind these patterns are not fully understood.

This week, Matt dives deep into the complexities of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), a condition where individuals physically act out their dreams due to the absence of normal muscle paralysis during REM sleep. He meticulously breaks down the mechanisms of normal REM sleep, where the brainstem induces muscle atonia to prevent dream enactment, contrasting it with the failure of this system in RBD cases.

Further expanding on the topic, Matt explores the etiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. He outlines the primary, drug-induced, and secondary types of RBD, with a focus on the idiopathic category, linking its occurrence to neurodegeneration and the accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein in the brainstem. Treatment strategies include lifestyle adjustments and pharmacological interventions like melatonin and clonazepam, aiming to reduce injury risks.

Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

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