World Sleep 2022 | iRBD prodrome diagnosis in α-synucleinopathies: an opportunity for neuroprotective intervention

Alex Iranzo, MD, PhD, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, CIBERNED, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, discusses our current understanding of isolated REM behavior disorder (iRBD) as an early manifestation of α-synucleinopathies. Patients presenting with iRBD have a significantly increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), PD with dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. There are currently no approved prophylactic or disease-modifying treatments for these debilitating conditions. Dr Iranzo suggests the dopaminergic and glutamate transmission systems as possible targets for disease-modifying therapies. This interview was recorded at the World Sleep Congress 2022 in Rome, Italy.