Sleep disorders are a non-motor symptom reported to occur in most PD patients at some stage of the disease. In newly-diagnosed PD, sleep disturbances appear to be uncommon although subjects may reported daytime naps and dream-related behaviours (Prudon et al. Mov Disord 2014;29:259-263).

Later in the disease course, sleep disorders may be due to neurodegenerative changes or secondary to drug treatment. Associated disorders may include restless legs syndrome, REM sleep behaviour disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea (Schulte & Winkelmann. J Neurol 2011;258(suppl 2):S328-335). Read More

A new meta-analysis has concluded that deep-brain stimulation (DBS) is effective in the control of motor signs and for improving functionality and quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease (Perestelo-Perez et al. J Neurol 2014; epublished February 2, 2014). Data were analysed from six randomized controlled trials comparing DBS with medication versus medications alone (n=1184).

The outcome measures included motor function, time without dyskinesias, reduction in levodopa-equivalent dosing, neurocognitive and psychiatric effects, and effect on quality of life. Read More