TITLE:
Clinical Recognition and Neuropathological Mechanisms of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder as a Prodromal Marker of Parkinson’s Disease
AUTHORS:
Junlong Wang, Zhilian Li
KEYWORDS:
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, Nuropathological Mechanisms, Biomarkers, Alpha-Synucleinopathy
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.7,
July
7,
2026
ABSTRACT: Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by dream-enacting behaviors and loss of muscle atonia during REM sleep. It is currently recognized as a significant prodromal marker for α-synucleinopathy-related neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies. This article comprehensively reviews clinical identification strategies for RBD as a prodromal marker of PD, potential neuropathological mechanisms, and recent advances in neuroimaging and biomarkers. Furthermore, it evaluates interventions targeting RBD and their clinical implications. By integrating the latest research findings, this paper aims to provide a systematic theoretical basis and clinical reference for the early identification, risk stratification, and development of neuroprotective strategies for PD.