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Learn more about REM Sleep Behavior disorder diagnosis and clinical management
and explore active areas of research in synucleinopathies.

In an effort to support new investigators in the field of RBD and prodromal synucleinopathies, NAPS2 has implemented a mentorship program for junior investigators.

NAPS2 Mentorship Program is a research program designed to aid the career development of promising early career researchers in RBD and prodromal synucleinopathies by providing:

  • Access to NAPS2 data, biological samples, and infrastructure

  • Support for futures research projects

  • Opportunities to network with senior investigators in this field of research

About REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia in which the nerve pathways that cause REM sleep atonia are disrupted. As a result, patients act out their dreams during REM sleep, sometimes resulting in violent body movements, vocalizations and emotional outcries that can cause injury both to themselves and/or their bed partners. 

RBD can be categorized either as isolated RBD or symptomatic (secondary) RBD. Isolated RBD is recognized as a potential prodromal stage for an evolving synucleinopathy such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies or multiple system atrophy, offering physicians the opportunity to diagnose patients before major symptoms of these neurodegenerative disorders arise.

Additional Resources

 Dauvilliers, Yves et al. “REM sleep behaviour disorder.” Nature reviews. Disease primers vol. 4,1 19. 30 Aug. 2018, doi:10.1038/s41572-018-0016-5

Porter, Verna R, and Alon Y Avidan. “Clinical Overview of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder.” Seminars in neurology vol. 37,4 (2017): 461-470. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1605595

St Louis, Erik K et al. “REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in Parkinson's Disease and Other Synucleinopathies.” Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society vol. 32,5 (2017): 645-658. doi:10.1002/mds.27018

Aurora, R Nisha et al. “Best practice guide for the treatment of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD).” Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine vol. 6,1 (2010): 85-95.

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