Sleep Improves Memory in People With Parkinson's Disease

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120821115003.htm

ScienceDaily (Aug. 21, 2012) — People with Parkinson's disease performed markedly better on a test of working memory after a night's sleep, and sleep disorders can interfere with that benefit, researchers have shown.

While the classic symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors and slow movements, Parkinson's can also affect someone's memory, including "working memory." Working memory is defined as the ability to temporarily store and manipulate information, rather than simply repeat it. The use of working memory is important in planning, problem solving and independent living.

The findings underline the importance of addressing sleep disorders in the care of patients with Parkinson's, and indicate that working memory capacity in patients with Parkinson's potentially can be improved with training. The results also have implications for the biology of sleep and memory.

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"It was known already that sleep is beneficial for memory

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The performance boost from sleep was linked with the amount of slow wave sleep, or the deepest stage of sleep.

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Sleep apnea, the disruption of sleep caused by obstruction of the airway, interfered with sleep's effects on memory.