Parasomnias and Sleep-Related Movement Disorders in Older Adults

Abstract

Parasomnias and sleep-related movement disorders are important problems in older adults. Sleep paralysis is rare, but may occur in families. In a minority of patients with disorders of arousal, the episodes persist until the age of 70. Zolpidem and other medications may induce sleepwalking and sleep-related eating. Most patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder eventually develop Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies. Anti-IgLON5 disease includes abnormal behaviors in NREM and REM sleep. Restless legs syndrome prevalence increases with age. A severe form of periodic limb movements in sleep may mimic REM sleep behavior disorder.

Keywords: Anti-IgLON5 disease; Disorders of arousal; Idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder; Periodic limb movement disorder; Restless legs syndrome; Sleep paralysis.