Download

Download Full Text (3.7 MB)

Description

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder stemming from the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, resulting in impaired neuronal activation which primarily affects the body’s motor function1. Common symptoms include tremor, rigidity, akinesia and loss of balance.

PD also exerts significant effects on sleep patterns. The Default Mode Network (DMN), a series of hubs in the brain with increased metabolic rate during rest, are implicated in the process of dreaming2. Differential activation of these regions may alter the content and quality of one’s dreams2. PD has been shown to impact the function of the DMN and as the disease progresses, changes to sleep quality and dream content are commonly observed3. Patients with advanced PD often note an increase in dreams with physical aggression and animal-related features3.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment approach for alleviating symptoms in PD patients. It involves placement of electrodes in regions such as the thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus, subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus4. Electrical pulsations allow for activation of those regions and ultimately leads to the alleviation of symptoms.

Publication Date

5-2024

Keywords

Parkinson’s Disease

Disciplines

Neurosurgery

Comments

The Embark Capstone Colloquium at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester Hills, MI, May, 2024.

Quantitative and Comparative Analysis of Dream Content in Parkinson’s Disease patients Pre- and PostDeep Brain Stimulation

Included in

Neurosurgery Commons

Share

COinS