University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository
Specialty
sleep medicine
Advisor
Elyse Watkins
Abstract
Rapid eye movement behavior disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder that causes patients to experience potentially violent behaviors and vocalizations. It is often prodromal to the alpha synucleinopathies. There is no cure for RBD. Signs and symptoms are managed with behavioral and pharmacologic intervention to reduce injury potential for the patient and their bed partner. The most common treatments used are melatonin and clonazepam, taken at bedtime. Providers have a unique opportunity to monitor patients with RBD for early signs of Lewy body dementia, multiple system atrophy, and Parkinson’s Disease, and to begin neuroprotective measures early. Further research is needed to determine the current and future interventions that will work best for symptom management in patients with RBD. Ultimately a cure for the disorder or ability to stop progression of disease should be sought.
Recommended Citation
Izzo A. Treatment of Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder to Improve Patients’ Quality of Life. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(2).
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