Journal Article

0068 Effect of Duchenne muscular dystrophy on sleep-dependent consolidation of episodic memory: Pilot

Paul, Grace, Malerba, Paola, Simon, Katharine, Busch, Tyler, Waldrop, Megan, Cadle, Chelsea

2023

Overview

Introduction About 50% of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) exhibit learning and memory deficits. Sleep issues are also common in DMD, and their potential relevance to cognitive deficits is unexplored. In this pilot study, we investigate the effect of DMD on sleep-dependent consolidation of episodic memory, with a focus on the role of sleep-brain dynamics. Methods We studied boys aged 6–15 years who were typically developing (TD) or had DMD. First, we compared memory performance in an episodic memory task during a day of wake versus a night of sleep within subjects (Phase 1, n = 13), including a one-week sleep diary, and parent-rated, memory, and cognitive assessments. In Phase 2, we measured memory improvement in the same task across a night with polysomnography (24 head electrodes). Sleep was scored with AASM criteria. Slow oscillations (SO) (0.5-1.5 Hz) and spindles (10-16Hz) were detected algorithmically, assessing density, amplitude, and coordination. Results In Phase 1, data confirmed sleep-specific gains in memory performance when task difficulty was adjusted to our extended age range (mean accuracy change: 7% sleep, 0% wake). The DMD participant in Phase 1 exhibited worse immediate recall compared to TD peers (independent samples t-test; t(9) = -4.38, p =.02) and worse parent-rated sleep habits (t(9) = 4.01, p = .03 on Children Sleep Health Questionnaire). Phase 2 showed a physiological range of SOs and spindles density, amplitude, and duration in both groups, with potential differences in overall sleep quality. Conclusion This pilot study established the feasibility of a sleep-memory experiment including polysomnography in controls and DMD patients in the context of a pediatric research hospital. Data suggests the need for adaptive recruitment approaches for the DMD population in expanding the study. Sleep EEG analysis suggests the potential for subtle differences in DMD sleep brain dynamics that need to be investigated in a larger sample size. Support (if any) Center for Clinical and Translational Science voucher support to MW and Neurodevelopmental Research Affinity Group Pilot Award to PM

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Subject: Episodic memory / Memory / Muscular dystrophy / Pilot projects / Sleep