Sleep and neurodegenerative disorders

The coexistence of neurodegenerative diseases and sleep disorders is increasingly being recognized. While there is considerable evidence suggesting that such conditions are inherent to the neurodegenerative process, most occur as a result of numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Primary sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea increase in prevalence with age and can result in unique clinical scenarios when combined with neurodegenerative diseases. REM sleep behavior disorder seems to exhibit a predilection for specific neurodegenerative entities and may therefore have diagnostic utility and ultimately prove to be a useful marker to identify those disorders best suited for studies investigating preventive therapies. Identification of all factors affecting sleep disturbances is important because sleep complaints significantly influence the rate of institutionalization in elderly individuals. This review highlights various pathophysiologic and clinical investigations concerning sleep findings in neurodegenerative diseases.