A nationwide survey of excessive daytime sleepiness in Parkinson's disease in France

Sleep and circadian dysfunction in Parkinson disease: New perspective and opportunities for treatment

Sleep and circadian dysfunction are common nonmotor symptoms in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Sleep and circadian dysfunction usually have a significant negative impact on quality of life and may also serve as markers to identify patients in the preclinical stage of PD. Sleep disturbances have different types in PD such as insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorders, restless legs syndrome, and sleep-disordered breathing. Because PD has a variety of clinical manifestations, sleep disorders and circadian dysfunction are most easy to be overlooked. The management of sleep and circadian dysfunction in patients with PD is complex as these conditions are heterogeneous; therefore, treatment plans must be individualized and directed at the underlying cause(s). Therefore, screening for and managing sleep and circadian dysfunction are important in clinical practice, and looking for new perspective and opportunities for treatment of them may improve the quality of life of PD patients. Therefore, screening for and managing sleep and circadian dysfunction are important in clinical practice. Looking for new perspective and opportunities for treatment will likely improve the quality of life of PD patients.

Parkinson's Disease and Driving Fitness: A Systematic Review of the Existing Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Motor/nonmotor symptomatology and antiparkinsonian drugs deteriorate the driving ability of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.

OBJECTIVES

Treating neurologists are frequently asked to evaluate driving fitness of their patients and provide evidence-based consultation. Although several guidelines have been published, the exact procedure along with the neurologist's role in this procedure remains obscure.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed the existing guidelines, regarding driving fitness evaluation of PD patients. We searched MEDLINE and Google Scholar and identified 109 articles. After specified inclusion criteria were applied, 15 articles were included (nine national guidelines, five recommendation papers, and one consensus statement).

RESULTS

The treating physician is proposed as the initial evaluator in 8 of 15 articles (neurologist in 2 articles) and may refer patients for a second-line evaluation. The evaluation should include motor, cognitive, and visual assessment (proposed in 15, 13, and 8 articles, respectively). Specific motor tests are proposed in eight articles (cutoff values in four), whereas specific neuropsychological and visual tests are proposed in seven articles each (cutoff values in four and three articles, respectively). Conditional licenses are proposed in 11 of 15 articles, to facilitate driving for PD patients. We summarized our findings on a graphic of the procedure for driving fitness evaluation of PD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurological aspects of driving fitness evaluation of PD patients are recognized in most of the guidelines. Motor, neuropsychological, visual, and sleep assessment and medication review are key components. Clear-cut instructions regarding motor, neuropsychological, and visual tests and relative cutoff values are lacking. Conditional licenses and periodical reevaluation of driving fitness are important safety measures.

Early onset of sleep/wake disturbances in a progressive macaque model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinsonian patients often experience sleep/wake disturbances, which may appear at an early stage of the disease; however, these disturbances have not been fully described. To better understand the evolution of these disturbances with respect to disease progression, we aimed to characterize these clinical signs in a progressive nonhuman primate model of Parkinson's disease. Three adult macaques (Macaca fascicularis) were equipped with a polysomnographic telemetry system allowing the characterization of sleep/wake behavior via long-term neurophysiological recordings and underwent a modified multiple sleep latency test. Experiments were first performed in a healthy state and then during the progressive induction of a parkinsonian syndrome by intramuscular injections of low doses of MPTP. We observed an early onset of significant sleep/wake disturbances (i.e., before the appearance of motor symptoms). These disturbances resulted in (i) a disorganization of nighttime sleep with reduced deep sleep quality and (ii) an excessive daytime sleepiness characterized by sleep episodes occurring more rapidly in the morning and spreading through the middle of the day. The present study suggests that nighttime and daytime sleep/wake disturbances may appear early in the disease and should be considered in the development of biomarkers in further studies.

Melatonin Treatment for Sleep Disorders in Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Objective

The efficacy of melatonin on sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD) is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of melatonin on sleep disorders in PD by summarizing evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies published before 20 August 2021. Results were analyzed using Review Manager 5.2 software. We used Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) software to avoid false-positive results caused by random errors.

Results

We included 7 studies in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed that compared with placebo, the subjective sleep quality of patients with PD significantly improved after melatonin treatment (MD = −2.19, 95% CI: −3.53 to −0.86, P = 0.001). In the systematic review, we qualitatively analyzed the efficacy of melatonin on the objective sleep quality of patients with PD, and the results showed that melatonin exerted a positive effect with good safety and tolerability. However, there was no significant improvement in excessive daytime sleepiness assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).

Conclusion

We found that melatonin can significantly improve the subjective and objective sleep quality of patients with PD with good safety and tolerability. Melatonin could be considered an effective treatment for insomnia in patients with PD.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Parkinson's Disease

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is one of the most common sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD). It has attracted much attention due to high morbidity, poor quality of life, increased risk for accidents, obscure mechanisms, comorbidity with PD and limited therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the current literature on epidemiology of EDS in PD to address the discrepancy between subjective and objective measures and clarify the reason for the inconsistent prevalence in previous studies. Besides, we focus on the effects of commonly used antiparkinsonian drugs on EDS and related pharmacological mechanisms to provide evidence for rational clinical medication in sleepy PD patients. More importantly, degeneration of wake-promoting nuclei owing to primary neurodegenerative process of PD is the underlying pathogenesis of EDS. Accordingly, altered wake-promoting nerve nuclei and neurotransmitter systems in PD patients are highlighted to providing clues for identifying EDS-causing targets in the sleep and wake cycles. Future mechanistic studies toward this direction will hopefully advance the development of novel and specific interventions for EDS in PD patients.

Do Impulse Control Disorders Impair Car Driving Performance in Patients with Parkinson's Disease?

BACKGROUND

Based on data regarding the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD), the prevalence of impulsive control disorders (ICD) in PD, and the percentage of PD patients driving a car, it has to be assumed that at least 50,000 PD patients with ICD in Germany actively drive a car. However, these patients might be at risk for unsafe driving due to ICD-related dysfunctions such as failure to resist an impulse or temptation, to control an act or other altered neurobehavioral processes.

OBJECTIVE

This study determines the influence of ICD on driving ability in PD.

METHODS

We prospectively compared driving simulator performance of 23 PD patients with and 23 matched patients without ICD. ICD had to be socially compensated and presence was defined clinically for primary and questionnaire-based (QUIP-RS) for post-hoc analyses. Furthermore, between-group comparisons of driving-relevant neuropsychological tests were executed.

RESULTS

Except from a lower blinking frequency when changing lanes, overall driving safety of patients with ICD did not differ significantly from those without-regardless of the clinical or QUIP-RS-based ICD definition. ICD severity did not correlate with driving performance, but the latter correlated significantly with mean reaction times and certain neuropsychiatric tests (MoCA, TMT-A, TAP-M "flexibility" and DBQ "error").

CONCLUSION

Clinically compensated ICD does not seem to impair driving safety in PD patients. Rather, cognitive and attentional deficits appear to be clinical markers for driving uncertainty.

Driving and Parkinson's Disease: A Survey of the Patient's Perspective

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multi-system disorder that can impact on driving ability. Little is known about how these changes in driving ability affect people with PD, making it difficult for clinicians and carers to offer appropriate support.

OBJECTIVE

To assess patient views concerning the effect of PD on their driving ability, the impact of these changes and how they manage them.

METHOD

An online survey was created by a team of clinicians, people with PD, their carers, and representatives from Parkinson's UK. People with PD throughout the United Kingdom were invited to participate through Parkinson's UK's website, newsletter and Parkinson's Excellence Network email list.

RESULTS

805 people with PD took part in the survey. We found that the loss of a driving licence had an adverse impact on employment, socialisation, travel costs and spontaneous lifestyle choices. Multiple changes in driving ability related to PD were described, including that impulse control disorders can have an adverse impact on driving. Changes in driving ability caused people to change their driving practices including taking shorter journeys and being less likely to drive at night. Participants advised managing changes in driving ability through planning, vehicle adaptions, maintaining skills and self-assessment.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the impact that changes in driving ability can have on the lifestyle of people with PD and reveals the strategies that individuals adopt to manage these changes.

[Speech and behavioral contaminations as non-epileptic automatic behavior in Parkinson's disease]

Parkinson's disease is characterized by a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms. More than two hundred years have passed since its description, but we still discover its new manifestations. Abnormal behaviors include impulse control disorders, dopamine dysregulation syndrome, psychotic disorders and others. However, two new phenomena have been recently described in patients with PD. It can manifest in the form of doing inappropriate actions which patient doesn't recognize, or pronouncing/writing unsuitable words and phrases. Patients can't remember such episodes, but find «signs» of their unconscious activity or hear about it from attestors. This article represents a review of literature on unrelated communication interlude and automatic behavior in Parkinson's disease and discusses its possible reasons.

THN 102 for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Associated with Parkinson's Disease: A Phase 2a Trial

BACKGROUND

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a frequent and disabling symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD) without approved treatment. THN102 is a novel combination drug of modafinil and low-dose flecainide.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of THN102 in PD patients with EDS.

METHODS

The method involved a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial testing two doses of THN102 (200 mg/d modafinil with 2 mg/d [200/2] or 18 mg/d flecainide [200/18]) versus placebo; 75 patients were exposed to treatment. The primary endpoint was safety. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score.

RESULTS

Both doses of THN102 were well tolerated. ESS significantly improved with THN102 200/2 (least square means vs. placebo [95% confidence interval, CI]: -1.4 [-2.49; -0.31], P = 0.012) but did not change significantly with the 200/18 dosage.

CONCLUSIONS

THN102 was well tolerated and showed a signal of efficacy at the 200/2 dose, supporting further development for the treatment of EDS in PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Exploring Nonmotor Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Parkinson Disease in a Comprehensive Care Setting

Parkinson disease (PD) is a debilitating neurological condition that includes both motor symptoms and nonmotor symptoms (NMS). Psychiatric complaints comprise NMS and are collectively referred to as neuropsychiatric manifestations. Common findings include atypical depressive symptoms, anxiety, psychosis, impulse control disorder, deterioration of cognition, and sleep disturbances. Quality of life (QoL) of patients suffering from NMS is greatly impacted and many times can be more debilitating than motor symptoms of PD. We expand on knowledge gained from treatment models within a comprehensive care model that incorporates multidisciplinary specialists working alongside psychiatrists to treat PD. Insight into background, clinical presentations, and treatment options for patients suffering from neuropsychiatric manifestations of PD are discussed. Identifying symptoms early can help improve QoL, provide early symptom relief, and can assist tailoring treatment plans that limit neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Excessive daytime sleepiness in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To provide a robust estimate of the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and its clinical correlates in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHOD

We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for studies investigating the prevalence and clinical correlates of EDS from inception to March 01, 2020. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Random-effects models were set to pool the risk estimates. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the stability of the outcomes.

RESULTS

After screening 1367 titles and abstracts, 59 studies involving 12,439 participants were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of EDS in PD was 35.1%, which was higher in South America, North America, Europe, and Australia than that in Asia. Compared to patients without EDS, patients with EDS had higher effect size on disease duration (0.76 years; 95% CI: 0.16-1.37, I² = 68.8%), Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stage (0.23 grade; 95% CI: 0.11-0.34, I² = 69.1%), Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS)-III (3.02 points; 95% CI: 1.53-4.51, I²: 61.2%), levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) (141.46 mg; 95% CI: 64.17-218.77, I² = 86.1%), depression symptoms (Hedges' g = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.15-0.55, I² = 72.0%) and male sex (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.30-1.72, I² = 0).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that approximately one-third of patients with PD had EDS, which may be associated with the severity of the disease, depression, and male sex, or a combination of neurodegeneration and medication.

Premotor Parkinson's disease: Overview of clinical symptoms and current diagnostic methods

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by typical motor symptoms. However, recent studies show several non-motor features that may precede the development of the motor symptoms of PD. The best known premotor symptoms include hyposmia, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), constipation, and depression; other symptoms are excessive daytime somnolence, orthostatic hypotension and symptomatic hypotension, erectile or urinary dysfunction, musculoskeletal symptoms, pain, and global cognitive deficit. In this review, we summarize currently available diagnostic methods for these symptoms. We also briefly summarize neuroimaging, polyneuropathy, peripheral markers, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers that may be used in the early diagnosis of PD.

Cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease with excessive daytime sleepiness: a systematic review

Objectives: This systematic review synthesizes the most recent literature on neuropsychological deficits in adults with Parkinson's disease who experience excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Confounds and methodological limitations are explored. A framework entitled the Cascade Model of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (CMEDS) is proposed to explain the role of EDS in contributing to cognitive impairment for patients with Parkinson's disease.Method: Systematic search through PubMed, PsychInfo and citation records. In total, 175 articles were screened for possible inclusion. Eight studies were included, encompassing 1373 patients with Parkinson's disease - 442 of whom had Parkinson's disease with EDS.Results: For Parkinson's disease patients with EDS, global deficits, executive dysfunction and deficits in processing speed were found beyond the typical cognitive phenotype of patients without EDS. Language skills, memory and visuospatial skills appeared to be similar between those with and without EDS. In untreated, de novo, patients, there were no cognitive differences between the EDS groups.Conclusion: This review suggests that Parkinson's disease patients suffering from EDS may have additional cognitive deficits globally, in executive control, and in processing speed. As suggested by the CMEDS framework, the impact of EDS on cognition may be related to Parkinson's disease pathology, comorbidities and medication use.

Clinical Features and Correlates of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Parkinson's Disease

Objective: To explore the clinical features and correlates of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in a Chinese population of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Methods: Patients with clinically established or clinically probable PD were recruited. Clinical and demographic data were collected, and participants were evaluated using standardized assessment protocols. Patients were divided into PD with EDS and PD without EDS groups based on the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) scores, with a cutoff score of 10. Clinical manifestations were compared between patients with and without EDS, and correlates of EDS were also studied. In addition, the relationship between EDS and poor nighttime sleep quality was analyzed. Results: A total of 1,221 PD patients were recruited in our study. The mean ESS (min, max) score was 7.6 ± 6.1 (0, 24), and 34.1% of the patients had ESS scores ≥10. No difference was seen in lifestyle (except for alcohol consumption), environmental factors, BMI, levodopa equivalent dose (LED), initial presentation of motor symptoms, motor subtype, and wearing off between patients with and without EDS. The PD with EDS group had a higher proportion of male patients and a higher average patient age. Moreover, the PD with EDS group showed older age at PD onset, lower educational level, and longer disease duration. Patients with EDS had higher scores on the Hoehn-Yahr scale and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) parts I, II, and III score, more severe non-motor symptoms, and poorer quality of sleep and life. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that EDS was associated with male sex, age, cognitive impairment, PD-related sleep problems, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and worse quality of life (QoL). Conclusion: EDS is a general clinical manifestation in PD, and there were significant differences in clinical features between patients with and without EDS. Moreover, our study proved that many factors were associated with EDS, including male sex, age, cognitive impairment, PD-related sleep problems, RBD, and worse QoL. Understanding the clinical characteristics of EDS in PD patients may help identify EDS early, improve QoL, and reduce the occurrence of accidents.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Parkinson's Disease: Clinical Implications and Management

Objective

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is one of the most common sleep abnormalities in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), yet its multifactorial etiology complicates its treatment. This review summarized recent studies on the epidemiology, etiology, clinical implications, associated features, and evaluation of EDS in PD. The efficacy of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for EDS in PD was also reviewed.

Data Sources

English language articles indexed in PubMed and Cochrane databases and Chinese-language papers indexed in Wanfang and National Knowledge Infrastructure databases that were published between January 1987 and November 2017 were located using the following search terms: "sleepiness", "sleep and Parkinson's disease", and "Parkinson's disease and treatment".

Study Selection

Original research articles and critical reviews related to EDS in PD were selected.

Results

EDS is a major health hazard and is associated with many motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD. Its causes are multifactorial. There are few specific guidelines for the treatment of EDS in PD. It is first necessary to identify and treat any possible factors causing EDS. Recent studies showed that some nonpharmacologic (i.e., cognitive behavioral therapy, light therapy, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) and pharmacologic (i.e., modafinil, methylphenidate, caffeine, istradefylline, sodium oxybate, and atomoxetine) treatments may be effective in treating EDS in PD.

Conclusions

EDS is common in the PD population and can have an immensely negative impact on quality of life. Its causes are multifactorial, which complicates its treatment. Further investigations are required to determine the safety and efficacy of potential therapies and to develop novel treatment approaches for EDS in PD.

Clinical Predictors of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Background and Purpose

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common complaint among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Several factors have been associated with EDS in PD, especially neuropsychiatric symptoms. This study aimed to determine the relationships between neuropsychiatric symptoms, sociodemographic and clinical parameters, and EDS in PD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed 85 patients with PD. All patients underwent socioeconomic and clinical data evaluations followed by a psychiatric interview and a neurological examination, including the assessment of sleep features. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of EDS, which was defined as a score higher than 10 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Binary logistic regression was performed in order to describe the predictors of EDS.

Results

We found that EDS affects 40% of PD patients and is associated with older age, restless legs syndrome, depressive and anxious symptoms, and worse sleep quality. In the multivariate analysis, older age, levodopa use, and worse sleep quality remained as significant predictors of EDS in PD.

Conclusions

Nighttime sleep problems, older age, and levodopa use are significantly associated with EDS in PD. A careful assessment and the management of sleep problems in PD patients might help to improve their quality of life.

An overview of sleep and circadian dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Sleep and circadian alterations are amongst the very first symptoms experienced in Parkinson's disease, and sleep alterations are present in the majority of patients with overt clinical manifestation of Parkinson's disease. However, the magnitude of sleep and circadian dysfunction in Parkinson's disease, and its influence on the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease remains often unclear and a matter of debate. In particular, the confounding influences of dopaminergic therapy on sleep and circadian dysfunction are a major challenge, and need to be more carefully addressed in clinical studies. The scope of this narrative review is to summarise the current knowledge around both sleep and circadian alterations in Parkinson's disease. We provide an overview on the frequency of excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, restless legs, obstructive apnea and nocturia in Parkinson's disease, as well as addressing sleep structure, rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder and circadian features in Parkinson's disease. Sleep and circadian disorders have been linked to pathological conditions that are often co-morbid in Parkinson's disease, including cognitive decline, memory impairment and neurodegeneration. Therefore, targeting sleep and circadian alterations could be one of the earliest and most promising opportunities to slow disease progression. We hope that this review will contribute to advance the discussion and inform new research efforts to progress our knowledge in this field.

Motor vehicle accidents in Parkinson's disease: A questionnaire study

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have investigated the risk factors for motor vehicle accidents (MVA) in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) in Japan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We sent an anonymous questionnaire to 1417 patients with PD who had received medical care certificates for Intractable Diseases during the 2014 fiscal year from the Aomori Prefectural Government in Japan. Data from patients with PD who previously or currently held a driving license at the time of the survey were analyzed.

RESULTS

Complete datasets were obtained from 384 patients with PD who were either past or present driving license holders. Fifty-seven patients had caused at least one MVA in the last 5 years before the survey. Logistic regression analyses revealed that ergot-dopamine agonist (DA) use and excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥ 10) were the best predictors of MVAs. Patients having caused non-sleep-related MVAs had significantly longer disease durations, more frequent ergot-DA use, and higher cognition and communication subscores on the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 than those without non-sleep-related MVAs (P < .05). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores of PD patients with sleep-related MVAs were significantly higher than those of patients without sleep-related MVAs (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive daytime sleepiness and ergot-DA use may be important predictive risk factors for MVAs in PD. Daytime sleepiness appears to be related to sleep-related MVAs in PD, whereas disease progression and ergot-DA use may contribute to non-sleep-related MVAs.

A systematic review of the literature on disorders of sleep and wakefulness in Parkinson's disease from 2005 to 2015

Sleep disorders are among the most common non-motor manifestations in Parkinson's disease (PD) and have a significant negative impact on quality of life. While sleep disorders in PD share most characteristics with those that occur in the general population, there are several considerations specific to this patient population regarding diagnosis, management, and implications. The available research on these disorders is expanding rapidly, but many questions remain unanswered. We thus conducted a systematic review of the literature published from 2005 to 2015 on the following disorders of sleep and wakefulness in PD: REM sleep behavior disorder, insomnia, nocturia, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements, sleep disordered breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, and circadian rhythm disorders. We discuss the epidemiology, etiology, clinical implications, associated features, evaluation measures, and management of these disorders. The influence on sleep of medications used in the treatment of motor and non-motor symptoms of PD is detailed. Additionally, we suggest areas in need of further research.

Sleep Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease

The spectrum of sleep problems in Parkinson's disease (PD) is broad. These symptoms are recognized as being clinically relevant by the PD patients and may seriously affect their quality of life. Some studies reveal the occurrence of sleep disorders in more than half of the PD patients. The etiology is multifactorial and it mainly involves the degeneration of the sleep-regulating structures. Sleep disorders in PD can be classified into: disturbances of sleep and disturbances of wakefulness. Generic and specific scales were designed to help the screening and evaluation of sleep dysfunction. Further assessment can be done using sleep recording techniques, like actigraphy or polysomnography. All types of sleep disturbances may be encountered in PD: insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorders, and restless legs syndrome. This chapter will focus on reviewing the main characteristics, pathophysiology, assessment, and management of the most frequent sleep disturbances encountered in PD.

Sleepiness in the Elderly

Excessive daytime sleepiness has pathologic causes and numerous adverse consequences; therefore, it requires medical attention in older adults. Excessive sleepiness in older adults is often multifactorial and may signal an underlying sleep disorder, chronic medical condition, undiagnosed mood disorder, or side effects of medications. It is associated with increased risk for cognitive decline and dementia in the elderly. Excessive sleepiness often requires a multi-method assessment in this age group. It is pertinent to take a systematic, step-by-step treatment approach geared toward the underlying cause, and to treat sleepiness directly, when the cause cannot be eliminated to prevent adverse outcomes.

Physicians' role in the determination of fitness to drive in patients with Parkinson's disease: systematic review of the assessment tools and a call for national guidelines

BACKGROUND

Physicians are usually at the forefront when the issue of driving ability is raised by Parkinson's disease (PD) patients or their family members, even though few have been formally trained in this area.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

To identify relevant literature on driving assessment tools in patients with PD by performing a systematic review on this subject in order to provide background information for physicians on what types of driving assessment are available, and to delineate the role of physicians in providing fitness to drive recommendations.

RESULTS

Of 1,490 abstracts screened, 55 articles fulfilled the selection criteria that investigated assessment of driving ability in PD patients with questionnaires, off-road testing battery, driving simulators, and driving skill tests (on-road tests and naturalistic driving test). Despite different methodology across studies, PD patients were observed to commit more driving errors than controls. Poor driving performance correlated with motor, visual, and cognitive severity. Excessive daytime somnolence was common in PD drivers and the presence of falling asleep while driving was identified to be a significant predictor of car accidents.

CONCLUSION

Although the evidence indicated more driving errors among PD drivers as identified by various assessment tools, the extent on how physicians should be involved in the evaluation process and make related recommendations remain unclear. Driving safety is an important public health issue in PD that needs better-defined specific legal and medical guidelines. National guidelines that establish risk assessment protocols involving multidisciplinary assessments are needed to assist physicians in making appropriate referrals for additional evaluations and recommendations when patients are deemed to be unsafe drivers.

Pathophysiology of L-dopa-induced motor and non-motor complications in Parkinson's disease

Involuntary movements, or dyskinesia, represent a debilitating complication of levodopa (L-dopa) therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). L-dopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) are ultimately experienced by the vast majority of patients. In addition, psychiatric conditions often manifested as compulsive behaviours, are emerging as a serious problem in the management of L-dopa therapy. The present review attempts to provide an overview of our current understanding of dyskinesia and other L-dopa-induced dysfunctions, a field that dramatically evolved in the past twenty years. In view of the extensive literature on LID, there appeared a critical need to re-frame the concepts, to highlight the most suitable models, to review the central nervous system (CNS) circuitry that may be involved, and to propose a pathophysiological framework was timely and necessary. An updated review to clarify our understanding of LID and other L-dopa-related side effects was therefore timely and necessary. This review should help in the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing the generation of dyskinetic symptoms.

Excessive daytime sleepiness and unintended sleep episodes associated with Parkinson's disease

This article looks at the issues of excessive daytime sleepiness and unintended sleep episodes in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and explores the reasons why patients might suffer from these symptoms, and what steps could be taken to manage them. During the last decade, understanding of sleep/wake regulation has increased. Several brainstem nuclei and their communication pathways in the ascending arousing system through the hypothalamus and thalamus to the cortex play key roles in sleep disorders. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in PD patients, and excessive daytime sleepiness is also common. Excessive daytime sleepiness affects up to 50% of PD patients and a growing body of research has established this sleep disturbance as a marker of preclinical and premotor PD. It is a frequent and highly persistent feature in PD, with multifactorial underlying pathophysiology. Both age and disease-related disturbances of sleep-wake regulation contribute to hypersomnia in PD. Treatment with dopamine agonists also contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness. Effective management of sleep disturbances and excessive daytime sleepiness can greatly improve the quality of life for patients with PD.

The impact of nocturnal disturbances on daily quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to explore nocturnal disturbances in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to assess their impact on quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

A total of 211 patients with PD were recruited for this study, and each participant was evaluated using the mini-mental state examination, PD sleep scale - second version (PDSS-2), pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), PD QoL questionnaire (PDQ), Epworth sleepiness scale, Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) staging, and unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS). Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the contribution of the predictive variables on QoL.

RESULTS

There were 56.4% males (mean age: 64.08 years; disease duration: 6.02 years; H&Y stage: 2.25; and UPDRS: 33.01) in this study. Our patients' actual sleep time was 5.96±1.16 hours and the average sleep efficiency was 82.93%±12.79%. Up to 64.4% of patients were classified as "poor" sleepers and 23.8% suffered from daytime sleepiness. The final stepwise regression model revealed that UPDRS parts I and II, the sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction components of the PSQI, the PD symptoms at night subscale of the PDSS-2, and the levodopa equivalent dose were significant predictors of the PDQ score (R (2)=53, F 7,165=28.746; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Most of the PD patients have sleep problems, and nearly one-quarter of them have abnormal daytime somnolence. The nocturnal disturbances were found to result in worse QoL in PD patients. Ethnicity-specific effects of susceptibility to sleep disturbances were discussed, and these results also highlighted the direction for further studies to explore when examining effective management programs toward these disturbances.

Is the MDS-UPDRS a Good Screening Tool for Detecting Sleep Problems and Daytime Sleepiness in Parkinson's Disease?

Movement Disorder Society-sponsored Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) has separate items for measuring sleep problems (item 1.7) and daytime sleepiness (1.8). The aim of our study was to evaluate the screening sensitivity and specificity of these items to the PD Sleep Scale 2nd version (PDSS-2) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). In this nationwide, cross-sectional study 460 PD patients were enrolled. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated between the individual items, domains, and the total score of PDSS-2 and item 1.7 of MDS-UPDRS. Similarly, the items and the total score of ESS were contrasted to item 1.8 of MDS-UPDRS. After developing generalized ordinal logistic regression models, the transformed and observed scores were compared by Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient. Only item 3 difficulties staying asleep and the “disturbed sleep” domain of PDSS-2 showed high correlation with “sleep problems” item 1.7 of the MDS-UPDRS. Total score of PDSS-2 had moderate correlation with this MDS-UPRDS item. The total score of ESS showed the strongest, but still moderate, correlation with “daytime sleepiness” item 1.8 of MDS-UPDRS. As intended, the MDS-UPDRS serves as an effective screening tool for both sleep problems and daytime sleepiness and identifies subjects whose disabilities need further investigation.

Daytime sleepiness in Parkinson's disease: a reappraisal

Background

Excessive daytime sleepiness is a frequent complaint in Parkinson’s disease (PD); however the frequency and risk factors for objective sleepiness remain mostly unknown. We investigated both the frequency and determinants of self-reported and objective daytime sleepiness in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) using a wide range of potential predictors.

Methods

One hundred and thirty four consecutive patients with PD, without selection bias for sleep complaint, underwent a semi-structured clinical interview and a one night polysomnography followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). Demographic characteristics, medical history, PD course and severity, daytime sleepiness, depressive and insomnia symptoms, treatment intake, pain, restless legs syndrome, REM sleep behaviour disorder, and nighttime sleep measures were collected. Self-reported daytime sleepiness was defined by an Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score above 10. A mean sleep latency on MSLT below 8 minutes defined objective daytime sleepiness.

Results

Of 134 patients with PD, 46.3% had subjective and only 13.4% had objective sleepiness with a weak negative correlation between ESS and MSLT latency. A high body mass index (BMI) was associated with both ESS and MSLT, a pain complaint with ESS, and a higher apnea/hypopnea index with MSLT. However, no associations were found between both objective and subjective sleepiness, and measures of motor disability, disease onset, medication (type and dose), depression, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, REM sleep behaviour disorder and nighttime sleep evaluation.

Conclusion

We found a high frequency of self-reported EDS in PD, a finding which is however not confirmed by the gold standard neurophysiological evaluation. Current treatment options for EDS in PD are very limited; it thus remains to be determined whether decreasing pain and BMI in association with the treatment of sleep apnea syndrome would decrease significantly daytime sleepiness in PD.

Consensus statements on driving in people with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder leading to motor and non-motor impairments, all of which can affect fitness to drive. The literature suggest that on-road and simulated driving performances are impaired in people with PD, as compared to healthy control drivers. Clear associations exist between impaired driving performance and contrast sensitivity, visual processing speed, and psychomotor speed. Prior to this review and expert panel process, no evidence-based guidelines have existed to help occupational therapy practitioners determining fitness to drive in those with PD. Three consensus statements are presented in this work to enable occupational therapy practitioners and other driver rehabilitation specialists to make fitness to drive determinations in people with PD.

D1 receptor agonist improves sleep-wake parameters in experimental parkinsonism

Both excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deregulation are part of Parkinson's disease (PD) non-motor symptoms and may complicate dopamine replacement therapy. We report here that dopamine agonists act differentially on sleep architecture in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine macaque monkey. Continuous sleep and wake electroencephalographic monitoring revealed no effect of the selective dopamine D2 receptor agonist quinpirole on EDS, whereas the selective dopamine D1 receptor agonist SKF38393 efficiently alleviated EDS and restored REM sleep to baseline values. The present results question the relevance of abandoning D1 receptor agonist treatment in PD as it might actually improve sleep-related disorders.

Modeling Parkinson's disease in primates: The MPTP model

The 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) primate models of Parkinson's disease (PD) reproduce most, although not all, of the clinical and pathological hallmarks of PD. The present contribution presents the possibilities offered by the MPTP monkey models of PD to readers with minimal knowledge of PD, emphasizing the diversity of species, route and regimen of administration, symptoms and pathological features. Readers would eventually find out that there is not a single MPTP monkey model of PD but instead MPTP monkey models of PD, each addressing a specific experimental need.

Motor and non-motor symptoms of 1453 patients with Parkinson's disease: prevalence and risks

PURPOSE

We examined the prevalence and risk of clinical symptoms in a large number of Japanese patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) (n = 1453; 650 males).

METHODS

Events were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, logistic regression, and Cox proportional-hazards models.

RESULTS

The mean age (SD) was 67.7 (10.0), age of onset was 58.0 (11.5), and disease duration was 9.7 (6.6) years. The mean modified Hoehn and Yahr stage was 2.8 (1.2). Most patients (88.9%) received levodopa (547.7 (257.6) mg/day). A large proportion (81.3%) received dopamine agonists (136.2 (140.7) mg/day). About 23.4% received pain treatment 6.9 (5.1) years after the onset; females (p < 0.05) and patients with late-onset PD (≥60 years, p < 0.001) were more likely to be affected. About 44.7% of patients had wearing-off 7.5 (4.7) years after the onset, and it was more common in females (p < 0.001) and patients with early-onset PD (p < 0.001). Camptocormia was found in 9.5% of patients 8.1 (6.2) years after the onset, and it was more common in females (p < 0.05) and patients with late-onset PD (p < 0.05). About 28.6% of patients developed psychosis 9.0 (5.4) years after the onset, and it was more likely to occur in patients with late-onset PD (p < 0.001). Late-onset PD and cerebrovascular disease were also associated with increased risk of pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering that very few studies have assessed numerous clinical symptoms in the same report, these data provide a useful reference for the clinical course of PD.

Piribedil-induced sleep attacks in patients without Parkinson disease: a case series

BACKGROUND

Sleep attacks were initially described in 1999 in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) treated by dopamine agonists (DAs). Because the respective role of DAs or PD-induced excessive daytime sleepiness is still unclear, reports of sleep attacks in non-PD patients treated with DA would support the specific role of these drugs. Piribedil, a nonergot dopamine D2/D3 agonist with alpha(2)-noradrenergic properties, is indicated in the treatment of PD as well as in patients with circulatory disorders. After a spontaneous report of sleep attack associated with piribedil use in a non-PD patient, we reviewed other cases from the French pharmacovigilance database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cases of piribedil associated with sleep attacks recorded between 1988 and December 2008 were identified in the French Pharmacovigilance database. Cases were retained for analysis only if patients were treated for conditions other than PD.

RESULTS

Overall, a total of 35 cases of piribedil-induced sleep disorders were retrieved, and 7 cases suggestive of sleep attacks were retained for analysis. The mean time to onset after starting piribedil was 2.5 days. Piribedil was the only suspected drug in all but 1 patient. Complete recovery was noticed after piribedil discontinuation in all patients, and recurrence of symptoms was observed after piribedil reintroduction in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Our series suggests that piribedil may be associated with sleep attack disorders independently of the treated disease and supports the prominent role of DAs in sleep disorders.

Daytime alertness in Parkinson's disease: potentially dose-dependent, divergent effects by drug class

Many patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease experience difficulties maintaining daytime alertness. Controversy exists regarding whether this reflects effects of antiparkinsonian medications, the disease itself, or other factors such as nocturnal sleep disturbances. In this study we examined the phenomenon by evaluating medicated and unmedicated Parkinson's patients with objective polysomnographic measurements of nocturnal sleep and daytime alertness. Patients (n = 63) underwent a 48-hour laboratory-based study incorporating 2 consecutive nights of overnight polysomnography and 2 days of Maintenance of Wakefulness Testing. We examined correlates of individual differences in alertness, including demographics, clinical features, nocturnal sleep variables, and class and dosage of anti-Parkinson's medications. Results indicated that, first, relative to unmediated patients, all classes of dopaminergic medications were associated with reduced daytime alertness, and this effect was not mediated by disease duration or disease severity. Second, the results showed that increasing dosages of dopamine agonists were associated with less daytime alertness, whereas higher levels of levodopa were associated with higher levels of alertness. Variables unrelated to the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test defined daytime alertness including age, sex, years with diagnosis, motor impairment score, and most nocturnal sleep variables. Deficits in objectively assessed daytime alertness in Parkinson's disease appear to be a function of both the disease and the medications and their doses used. The apparent divergent dose-dependent effects of drug class in Parkinson's disease are anticipated by basic science studies of the sleep/wake cycle under different pharmacological agents.

Recognition and diagnosis of sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease

Sleep disturbances are among the most frequent and incapacitating non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and are increasingly recognized as an important determinant of impaired quality of life. Here we review several recent developments regarding the recognition and diagnosis of sleep disorders in PD. In addition, we provide a practical and easily applicable approach to the diagnostic process as a basis for tailored therapeutic interventions. This includes a stepwise scheme that guides the clinical interview and subsequent ancillary investigations. In this scheme, the various possible sleep disorders are arranged not in order of prevalence, but in a ‘differential diagnostic’ order. We also provide recommendations for the use of sleep registrations such as polysomnography. Furthermore, we point out when a sleep specialist could be consulted to provide additional diagnostic and therapeutic input. This structured approach facilitates early detection of sleep disturbances in PD, so treatment can be initiated promptly.

When Parkinson's disease patients go to sleep: specific sleep disturbances related to Parkinson's disease

Nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease can be as disabling as the much better studied motor symptoms. Among the nonmotor manifestations are numerous forms of alterations of physiologic sleep patterns that may present at different stages during the course of disease. These include changes believed to be primarily related to the underlying neurodegenerative process of the disease as well as those brought about secondarily, for example, by pharmacologic treatment. Also, sleep disturbances seen in Parkinson's disease can range from temporarily increased daytime sleepiness after introduction of a dopamine agonist to the therapeutic regime to specific sleep-related diagnoses such as restless legs syndrome, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, periodic limb movements in sleep, and sleep-related breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. In this review, we discuss the different specific sleep disturbances that arise in the context of Parkinson's disease with a special emphasis on epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis.

Sleep quality in Parkinson disease: an examination of clinical variables

The etiology of sleep problems in Parkinson disease (PD) is not well understood, as they may arise from the pathology of the disease or from other disease-related factors such as motor dysfunction, dopaminergic medication, and mood disturbances. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with sleep, including disease-related variables such as motor symptom severity, dose of medication, and mood and disease subtypes. Thirty-five nondemented patients with PD were included. Sleep was measured using 24-hour wrist actigraphy over a 7-day period, during which time participants kept a sleep diary. Subjective sleep and arousal questionnaires included the PD Sleep Scale and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Motor symptom severity and dopaminergic medication were significantly related to measures of sleep quality. Sex differences in sleep quality were found, with men having worse sleep quality and more excessive daytime sleepiness than women. We also found that actigraphy may serve as a useful tool for identifying individuals with possible rapid eye movement behavior disorder, a sleep disorder that has important implications in early detection of PD.

The size and burden of mental disorders and other disorders of the brain in Europe 2010

AIMS

To provide 12-month prevalence and disability burden estimates of a broad range of mental and neurological disorders in the European Union (EU) and to compare these findings to previous estimates. Referring to our previous 2005 review, improved up-to-date data for the enlarged EU on a broader range of disorders than previously covered are needed for basic, clinical and public health research and policy decisions and to inform about the estimated number of persons affected in the EU.

METHOD

Stepwise multi-method approach, consisting of systematic literature reviews, reanalyses of existing data sets, national surveys and expert consultations. Studies and data from all member states of the European Union (EU-27) plus Switzerland, Iceland and Norway were included. Supplementary information about neurological disorders is provided, although methodological constraints prohibited the derivation of overall prevalence estimates for mental and neurological disorders. Disease burden was measured by disability adjusted life years (DALY).

RESULTS

Prevalence: It is estimated that each year 38.2% of the EU population suffers from a mental disorder. Adjusted for age and comorbidity, this corresponds to 164.8million persons affected. Compared to 2005 (27.4%) this higher estimate is entirely due to the inclusion of 14 new disorders also covering childhood/adolescence as well as the elderly. The estimated higher number of persons affected (2011: 165m vs. 2005: 82m) is due to coverage of childhood and old age populations, new disorders and of new EU membership states. The most frequent disorders are anxiety disorders (14.0%), insomnia (7.0%), major depression (6.9%), somatoform (6.3%), alcohol and drug dependence (>4%), ADHD (5%) in the young, and dementia (1-30%, depending on age). Except for substance use disorders and mental retardation, there were no substantial cultural or country variations. Although many sources, including national health insurance programs, reveal increases in sick leave, early retirement and treatment rates due to mental disorders, rates in the community have not increased with a few exceptions (i.e. dementia). There were also no consistent indications of improvements with regard to low treatment rates, delayed treatment provision and grossly inadequate treatment. Disability: Disorders of the brain and mental disorders in particular, contribute 26.6% of the total all cause burden, thus a greater proportion as compared to other regions of the world. The rank order of the most disabling diseases differs markedly by gender and age group; overall, the four most disabling single conditions were: depression, dementias, alcohol use disorders and stroke.

CONCLUSION

In every year over a third of the total EU population suffers from mental disorders. The true size of "disorders of the brain" including neurological disorders is even considerably larger. Disorders of the brain are the largest contributor to the all cause morbidity burden as measured by DALY in the EU. No indications for increasing overall rates of mental disorders were found nor of improved care and treatment since 2005; less than one third of all cases receive any treatment, suggesting a considerable level of unmet needs. We conclude that the true size and burden of disorders of the brain in the EU was significantly underestimated in the past. Concerted priority action is needed at all levels, including substantially increased funding for basic, clinical and public health research in order to identify better strategies for improved prevention and treatment for disorders of the brain as the core health challenge of the 21st century.

Sleep problems in Parkinson’s disease patients

SUMMARY Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients demonstrate a variety of sleep/wake complaints. Some of these are associated with dopaminergic dysfunction, some presumed to arise from nondopaminergic PD pathology, some from PD treatments and, in some, the etiologies are multifactorial or unknown. Optimal management of sleep/wake problems requires a good understanding of sleep/wake principals in the PD population, as there are few controlled trials to dictate therapy. In this article, we review the main causes of sleep/wake disorders in PD patients, namely sleep fragmentation, excessive daytime sleepiness, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement of sleep, rapid eye movement sleep behavioral disorder and sleep apnea. Available therapies and management recommendations for each disorder are given particular emphasis.

Effect of chronic kidney disease on excessive daytime sleepiness in Parkinson disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSES

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common sleep disorder in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Non-ergot dopamine agonists increase the risk of unanticipated sleep episodes.

OBJECTIVE

  We aimed to assess the influence of renal function on EDS in patients with PD.

METHODS

Sixty-two patients treated with ropinirole or pramipexole were recruited for this study. We evaluated the historical and clinical characteristics including the motor symptom rating scales, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). An ESS score of 10 or greater was defined as EDS. Participants with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) were determined to have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive factors of EDS.

RESULTS

Chronic kidney disease was found to be a significant predictive factor for EDS in all patients (P = 0.014). We observed a negative correlation between the severity of daytime sleepiness and renal function in patients treated with pramipexole alone (r(s) = -0.637, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic kidney disease may be a risk factor for EDS, especially in patients treated with pramipexole, which is directly excreted in the urine.

Systematic review of levodopa dose equivalency reporting in Parkinson's disease

Interpretation of clinical trials comparing different drug regimens for Parkinson's disease (PD) is complicated by the different dose intensities used: higher doses of levodopa and, possibly, other drugs produce better symptomatic control but more late complications. To address this problem, conversion factors have been calculated for antiparkinsonian drugs that yield a total daily levodopa equivalent dose (LED). LED estimates vary, so we undertook a systematic review of studies reporting LEDs to provide standardized formulae. Electronic database and hand searching of references identified 56 primary reports of LED estimates. Data were extracted and the mean and modal LEDs calculated. This yielded a standardized LED for each drug, providing a useful tool to express dose intensity of different antiparkinsonian drug regimens on a single scale. Using these conversion formulae to report LEDs would improve the consistency of reporting and assist the interpretation of clinical trials comparing different PD medications.

Sleep disorders in neurodegenerative diseases

The aim of this review is to provide data on sleep disturbances in three categories of neurodegenerative disorders: synucleinopathies, tauopathies, and other diseases (this heterogeneous group includes also spinocerebellar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Analysing and knowing sleep disorders in neurodegenerative diseases may offer important insights into the pathomechanism of some of these diseases and calls attention to the still insufficiently known 'sleep neurology'. The identification of sleep disorders in some neurodegenerative conditions may make their diagnosis easier and earlier; for example, rapid eye movements sleep behaviour disorder may precede any other clinical manifestation of synucleinopathies by more than 10 years.