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Circadian disruption and sleep disorders in neurodegeneration. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:8. [PMID: 36782262 PMCID: PMC9926748 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruptions of circadian rhythms and sleep cycles are common among neurodegenerative diseases and can occur at multiple levels. Accumulating evidence reveals a bidirectional relationship between disruptions of circadian rhythms and sleep cycles and neurodegenerative diseases. Circadian disruption and sleep disorders aggravate neurodegeneration and neurodegenerative diseases can in turn disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep. Importantly, circadian disruption and various sleep disorders can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, harnessing the circadian biology findings from preclinical and translational research in neurodegenerative diseases is of importance for reducing risk of neurodegeneration and improving symptoms and quality of life of individuals with neurodegenerative disorders via approaches that normalize circadian in the context of precision medicine. In this review, we discuss the implications of circadian disruption and sleep disorders in neurodegenerative diseases by summarizing evidence from both human and animal studies, focusing on the bidirectional links of sleep and circadian rhythms with prevalent forms of neurodegeneration. These findings provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and suggest a promising role of circadian-based interventions.
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Richards K, Britt KC, Cuellar N, Wang Y, Morrison J. Clinical Decision-Making: Restless Legs Syndrome and Dementia in Older Adults. Nurs Clin North Am 2021; 56:265-274. [PMID: 34023120 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnur.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), one of the more prevalent sleep disturbances among older adults, impacts quality of life. Patients with dementia are at high risk for developing RLS and may be unable to describe their symptoms. Often underdiagnosed, RLS can contribute to discomfort, pain, nighttime agitation, disturbed sleep, and falls. Clinical assessment is crucial and should include a thorough evaluation with input from the patient and family, deprescribing medication if possible, and consideration of common sleep-disturbing factors. Evidence-based treatment in this population is limited; overall focus should center on relieving discomfort while identifying and treating bothersome sleep symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Richards
- The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing, 1710 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA. https://twitter.com/kathyrichards2
| | - Katherine Carroll Britt
- The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing, 1712 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA. https://twitter.com/KatherineCBritt1
| | - Norma Cuellar
- The University of Alabama, University Boulevard, 650 University Boulevard East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA.
| | - Yanyan Wang
- The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing, 1712 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA. https://twitter.com/yanw06689982
| | - Janet Morrison
- The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing, 1712 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA. https://twitter.com/phdb4ss
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Richards KC, Allen RP, Morrison J, Fry L, Kovach CR, Rangel A, Loera A, Wang Y, Hanlon AL, Lozano AJ, Bliwise DL. Nighttime Agitation in Persons with Dementia as a Manifestation of Restless Legs Syndrome. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 22:1410-1414. [PMID: 33347845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nighttime agitation or "sundowning" is challenging for clinicians and caregivers to manage in older adults in the dementia stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD-D). Our research previously revealed that nighttime agitation might be a manifestation of restless legs syndrome (RLS). The current study aims to describe the characteristics of older adults with AD-D, nighttime agitation, and RLS, and to evaluate sleep disturbance and iron status in relation to nighttime agitation severity. DESIGN An observational study with baseline descriptive and correlational data from a clinical trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Long-term care (n = 69) and independent living (n = 7); age 82.91 ± 9.46 years, with AD-D, nighttime agitation, and RLS. MEASUREMENTS Trained observers counted nighttime agitation behaviors. Independent variables were age; cognition measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination; minutes slept from actigraphy; transferrin saturation percentage (TS%) and transferrin from fasting blood samples; and illness severity using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics. Bivariate and multivariable linear regression models were generated. RESULTS In the multivariable model, sleep minutes (P = .002) and TS% (P = .003) were negatively associated with frequency of nighttime agitation behaviors, and they explained 20% of the variance. Seventy-nine percent received 1 or more medications that worsen RLS symptoms, such as antihistamines and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We encourage clinicians to consider nighttime agitation as a manifestation of RLS. Treatment of iron deficiency indicated by low TS% and deprescribing medications that exacerbate RLS may decrease nighttime agitation, improve sleep, and enhance quality of life in older adults with AD-D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy C Richards
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Richard P Allen
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Janet Morrison
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Liam Fry
- Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Christine R Kovach
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Angelica Rangel
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ana Loera
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yanyan Wang
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Alexandra L Hanlon
- Center for Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alicia J Lozano
- Center for Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Donald L Bliwise
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Richards K, Morrison J, Wang YY, Rangel A, Loera A, Hanlon A, Lozano A, Kovach C, Gooneratne N, Fry L, Allen R. Nighttime Agitation and Restless Legs Syndrome in Persons With Alzheimer's Disease: Study Protocol for a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial (NightRest). Res Gerontol Nurs 2020; 13:280-288. [PMID: 32966585 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20200918-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Nighttime agitation is a prevalent symptom in persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Effective treatments are absent due to our limited knowledge of its etiology. We hypothesized that restless legs syndrome (RLS), a common neurological sensorimotor disorder of uncomfortable leg sensations that appear at night and interfere with sleep, might be a cause for nighttime agitation in persons with AD. RLS is infrequently identified in persons with AD because traditional diagnosis is dependent on patients answering complex questions about their symptoms. With a validated observational tool for RLS diagnosis, the Behavioral Indicators Test-Restless Legs, we aim to diagnose RLS and determine the effect of gabapentin enacarbil (GEn) compared to placebo on nighttime agitation, sleep, antipsychotic medications, and the mechanism for these effects. We hypothesize that frequency of RLS behaviors will mediate the relationship between GEn and nighttime agitation. This study is an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized pilot clinical trial, followed by an 8-week open-label trial, that is being conducted in long-term care settings and private homes. The results of this study may shift, personalize, and improve standards of care for treatment of nighttime agitation; reduce aggression and other nighttime agitation behaviors; and improve sleep. TARGETS Persons with AD with nighttime agitation potentially caused by RLS. INTERVENTION DESCRIPTION Diagnose RLS and determine the effect of GEn. MECHANISMS OF ACTION The frequency of RLS behaviors will mediate the relationship between GEn and nighttime agitation. OUTCOMES Determine the effect of GEn on nighttime agitation, sleep, and antipsychotic medications. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03082755 (Date of registration March 6, 2017). [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 13(6), 280-288.].
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Abstract
Given the complex and bidirectional nature of sleep and mild cognitive impairment/Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, a precision medicine approach to education, lifestyle changes, and early assessment in patients with a family history of snoring, sleep apnea, diabetes, and heart disease is warranted. Furthermore, a team-based approach allows for a coordinated precision diagnosis and management of common comorbid chronic illnesses. The significance of sleep disturbances in this population, contributing factors, assessment and diagnostic challenges, common sleep disorders and mechanisms, tailored behavioral and pharmacologic interventions, knowledge gaps, and future research ideas are discussed.
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Abstract
Long-term care (LTC) involves a range of support and services for people with chronic illness and disabilities who can not perform activities of daily living independently. Poor sleep increases the risk of LTC placement, and sleep disturbance is extremely common among LTC residents. The identification and management of sleep disturbance in LTC residents is a vital, but perhaps underappreciated, aspect of offering high-quality care for this already compromised population. This review describes the nature and consequences of sleep disturbances in LTC, clinical assessment and management of sleep disturbances in LTC, and implications for future research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichuan Ye
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences School of Nursing, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kathy C Richards
- The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing, 1710 Red River, Austin, TX 78701, USA.
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Fung CH, Vitiello MV, Alessi CA, Kuchel GA. Report and Research Agenda of the American Geriatrics Society and National Institute on Aging Bedside-to-Bench Conference on Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Aging: New Avenues for Improving Brain Health, Physical Health, and Functioning. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 64:e238-e247. [PMID: 27858974 PMCID: PMC5173456 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The American Geriatrics Society, with support from the National Institute on Aging and other funders, held its eighth Bedside-to-Bench research conference, entitled "Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Aging: New Avenues for Improving Brain Health, Physical Health and Functioning," October 4 to 6, 2015, in Bethesda, Maryland. Part of a conference series addressing three common geriatric syndromes-delirium, sleep and circadian rhythm (SCR) disturbance, and voiding dysfunction-the series highlighted relationships and pertinent clinical and pathophysiological commonalities between these three geriatric syndromes. The conference provided a forum for discussing current sleep, circadian rhythm, and aging research; identifying gaps in knowledge; and developing a research agenda to inform future investigative efforts. The conference also promoted networking among developing researchers, leaders in the field of SCR and aging, and National Institutes of Health program personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance H Fung
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael V Vitiello
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Cathy A Alessi
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - George A Kuchel
- Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
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Connor JR, Patton SM, Oexle K, Allen RP. Iron and restless legs syndrome: treatment, genetics and pathophysiology. Sleep Med 2016; 31:61-70. [PMID: 28057495 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2016.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we review the original findings from MRI and autopsy studies that demonstrated brain iron status is insufficient in individuals with restless legs syndrome (RLS). The concept of deficient brain iron status is supported by proteomic studies from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and from the clinical findings where intervention with iron, either dietary or intravenous, can improve RLS symptoms. Therefore, we include a section on peripheral iron status and how peripheral status may influence both the RLS symptoms and treatment strategy. Given the impact of iron in RLS, we have evaluated genetic data to determine if genes are directly involved in iron regulatory pathways. The result was negative. In fact, even the HFE mutation C282Y could not be shown to have a protective effect. Lastly, a consistent finding in conditions of low iron is increased expression of proteins in the hypoxia pathway. Although there is lack of clinical data that RLS patients are hypoxic, there are intriguing observations that environmental hypoxic conditions worsen RLS symptoms; in this chapter we review very compelling data for activation of hypoxic pathways in the brain in RLS patients. In general, the data in RLS point to a pathophysiology that involves decreased acquisition of iron by cells in the brain. Whether the decreased ability is genetically driven, activation of pathways (eg, hypoxia) that are designed to limit cellular uptake is unknown at this time; however, the data strongly support a functional rather than structural defect in RLS, suggesting that an effective treatment is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Stephanie M Patton
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Konrad Oexle
- Institut für Humangenetik, Technische Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Richard P Allen
- The Johns Hopkins University, Dep of neuroloy, Baltimore, MD USA
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Hadjigeorgiou GM, Scarmeas N. Restless legs syndrome in the darkness of dementia. Sleep 2015; 38:333-4. [PMID: 25669197 DOI: 10.5665/sleep.4480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikolaos Scarmeas
- Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's disease and the Aging Brain, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Department of Social Medicine, Psychiatry and Neurology, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Greece
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