Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD): a window into early Parkinson’s Dr Tom Barber

Dr Tom Barber discussed his research into REM sleep disorder at Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre.

At OPDC, we're trying to look at people before they get Parkinson's, so we're studying a group of people who have a condition called REM sleep behaviour disorder. This is a condition where people move in response to their dream content and so they can display quite violent behaviours, sometimes during their sleep in response to their dreams. People who have this disorder have a very high risk of developing Parkinson's in the future. That means by studying them when they don't have Parkinson's, we might be able to look at the very early stages of how Parkinson's starts and spreads.

[prometheanevent]

This guy looks like he’s 19 years old but obviously has at least eight years of hard-core academic/lab work. Genius.

[BeatzByMK]

I’ve been dealing with RBD symptoms since I was a kid, im 27 now and still dealing with it. I’m going to see a sleep specialist to see what’s going on. I’m scared 😭😭😭😭

[quinnkerry-rockov]

I have RBD and constipation and my sense of smell is weak. I also fall over randomly…I never thought much of any of these symptoms, but this video is motivating me to go to the doctor!

[goozgool]

that was a very informative speech, if someone shows symptoms of RBD, how he/she can prevent from further diseases?

[peterjonesdelacruz]

my mother was diagnosed with parkinson's in 2016, but her muscular rigidity and weakness, which started on her left arm, began as early as 2013. it wasn't until a few months into her levodopa therapy in 2016 that she started acting out her dreams. her rem sleep disorder has gotten so much worse now that i myself lose sleep and have probably developed insomnia from frequent awakenings in the middle of the night because of her symptoms.

[revdrjamesshowersjr]

Thank you for this very informative production. At present, I am working with a Speech Pathologist, and we will be working on 'executive functions' and the Parkinson's disease Plus. Previously ruled out Dyslexia. Working with Grammarly and of course, copyright insurance. Diagnosed in 2013 with Parkinson's Disease Plus and had the STN DBS surgical implant in 2014.

[brandonhealy]

I had a REM sleep behaviour disorder happen once to me, I don’t know if I’ve got Parkinson’s but I have so many non motor symptoms and some of the motor symptoms including freezing

[jonanthony]

i think i have RBD. I also have enough Oxy to take myself out before/if i get Parkinson's. No way will i go thru that!

[petersteckhahn]

I am 66 years old, I've had RBD for at least 28 years. It's never caused a big problem and it doesn't seem to be getting worse. I have no signs of PD or LB. I have never been on antidepressant drugs and never had a brain injury. Is there other causes of RBD? What percent doesn't lead to neurodegenerative disease?

[MsNooneinparticular]

It sounds like RBD should just be considered an early symptom of neurodegenerative disease (PD & LBD in particular). People who have it and don't go on to develop these conditions at some point in the future seem to be the exception rather than the rule. If you include things like Alzheimer's, ALS & prion diseases like CJD I bet the numbers are near 0 by the time of death (if they don't die of something else first). Super scary.

[paulakaiser]

Thank you for your important info. Question, do you agree that Dystonia could be a Parkinson sign? Been suffering from voice to neck in the past 8 yrs. Can barely speak and can not drive too much anymore. My neck will not turned to right. Don't know how to test for Parkinson's. No worries, think I may know what tests maybe needed on Parkinson's. One more major symptom is that I am constantly having tremors in my sleep and during the day. Talking in my sleep and having dreams that seem so real that I am smacking, kicking my husband.
All my doctors seem to think that my condition may be nothing.
Pretty much about to give up on looking for answers. Thank you loved your presentation.

[lovemesweetgmail]

I know a 40 year old man that may have RBD but dose not have the funds for the test. Do you know of anyone that will help him, as a study case? He acts out in his sleep.

[abcd-nhxn]

What is the main cause of RBD? DA/nigrostriatal pathway loss?

[woozy]

I’m young and dealing with RBD I think it’s maybe because my PTSD idk