title: Therapeutic strategies for circadian rhythm and sleep disturbances in Huntington disease.
abstract: Aside from the well-known motor, cognitive and psychiatric signs and symptoms, Huntington disease (HD) is also frequently complicated by circadian rhythm and sleep disturbances. Despite the observation that these disturbances often precede motor onset and have a high prevalence, no studies are available in HD patients which assess potential treatments. In this review, we will briefly outline the nature of circadian rhythm and sleep disturbances in HD and subsequently focus on potential treatments based on findings in other neurodegenerative diseases with similarities to HD, such as Parkinson and Alzheimer disease. The most promising treatment options to date for circadian rhythm and sleep disruption in HD include melatonin (agonists) and bright light therapy, although further corroboration in clinical trials is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, K5-Q 110, PO Box 9600, 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: van Wamelen
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, K5-Q 110, PO Box 9600, 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Raymund Ac
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Roos
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, K5-Q 110, PO Box 9600, 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Nasir A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Aziz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Huntington disease; bright light therapy; circadian rhythm; histamine; melatonin; modafinil; sleep