Is REM Sleep Disorder (RSM) a sign of early neurologic impairment?

This question was asked in Irvine, California on 02/02/2012.
My brother is in his fifties and has been diagnosed with REM sleep disorder. I’m very concerned about the greater implications of this diagnosis. Can it lead to other negative health side effects such as neurological disease?

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Doctors Answers (2)

J. Douglas Hudson, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 3/19/2012

REM sleep behavior disorder is a sleep disorder during which a person attempts to physically act out vivid, often unpleasant, dreams with abnormal vocal sounds and movements while in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Normally, during Stage REM sleep, your body is mostly paralyzed and you are unable to act out your dreams. Research has shown that there is an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease later in life.

Richard J. Schumann Jr., MD
Answered on: 2/2/2012 2

REM sleep behavior disorder (RSM) in itself is idiopathic in most cases. 60% of the other cases are associated with Multiple Sclerosis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke, dementia or brainstem tumors. In one study, 40% of patients with RSM later developed Parkinson's Disease.