Overview

• REM sleep behavior disorder, marked by aggressive movements and vivid dreams, can signal Parkinson risk up to 30 years before motor symptoms emerge.
• Approximately 80–95% of individuals with this sleep disorder develop Parkinson disease or Parkinson-related dementia within 10 to 15 years of diagnosis.
• Researchers at Universitätsklinikum Bonn are piloting a tablet-based motor screening tool for general practitioners to detect subtle movement anomalies within minutes.
• The program is also testing non-pharmacological digital interventions such as smartphone-based cognitive training and a motivational app as adjuncts or alternatives to medication.
• A healthy lifestyle encompassing quality sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise and management of comorbidities may lower Parkinson risk and slow disease progression.