New information about the association between rapid eye movement behavioral disorder (RBD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Parkinson’s disease.
According to the study, 34% of individuals who display RBD, which is a behavioral disorder in the REM stage of sleeping where the individual acts out his dreams in his sleep rather than laying still, are likely to develop either an MCI or Parkinson’s disease within the following four years from diagnosis. The scientists in the study find this an important discovery to the preventative care or early treatment of Parkinson’s and other diseases before they reach their more advanced stages.
The article also noted that approximately 45% of people will develop an MCI or Parkinson’s within the first five years of diagnosis.
Source: Medical News Today on March 15th, 2012