REM sleep behavior disorder in Parkinson's disease--is there a gender difference?
BACKGROUND
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is common in Parkinson's disease (PD). While previous studies of idiopathic RBD have reported a striking male preponderance, little information exists about potential gender differences of RBD in PD.


METHODS
We performed a cross sectional study of 107 PD patients. Probable RBD (pRBD) was diagnosed using the RBD Screening Questionnaire.


RESULTS
Men had more fights (96% versus 54%, p < 0.001), violent behavior (71% versus 39%, p = 0.04) and awakening by own movements (89% versus 62%, p = 0.04). More women experienced disturbed sleep (85% versus 32%, p = 0.02). The frequency of pRBD was 31% in women and 43% in men (p = 0.2), total frequency 38%.


CONCLUSIONS
We found no clear differences in the frequency of pRBD among men and women with PD, but demonstrated significant gender differences in its clinical expression. Female PD patients reported significantly less fights and aggressive behavior during dreams, but had more disturbed sleep.
Department of Neurology, Drammen Hospital, Dronninggata 28, 3004 Drammen, Norway. karianne@bjornara.com
Kari Anne
KA
Bjørnarå
Espen
E
Dietrichs
Mathias
M
Toft
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies / Q000379:methods; D004325:Dreams / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020187:REM Sleep Behavior Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012895:Sleep, REM / Q000502:physiology*