Links to disorders beyond autism spectrum
Due to the varied constellation of symptoms that make up Rett Syndrome, it is becoming a model system for scientists to gain insight into other disorders.
Movement disorders
Individuals with Rett Syndrome are afflicted with movement disorders such as tremor, dystonia, dyskinesia and impaired motor planning similar to the degeneration seen in Parkinson's disease. In Rett and in Parkinson's, problems in the substantia nigra and dopaminergic systems result in extreme physical disability.
Depression and anxiety
In addition to dopamine, serotonin is also affected in Rett Syndrome. Serotonin levels impact mood, anxiety and sleep. Many individuals with Rett suffer from bouts of extreme anxiety, agitation and possible depression (actual diagnosis limited by communication barriers) as well as sleep-cycle issues.
Stress disorders
The "fight or flight" response, mediated by the autonomic nervous system and intricately linked with brain and immune system functions, is disturbed in Rett Syndrome. Finding the sources and tracing the transmission of this imbalance will add to knowledge of the physiology of stress.
Individuals with Rett Syndrome are afflicted with movement disorders such as tremor, dystonia, dyskinesia and impaired motor planning similar to the degeneration seen in Parkinson's disease. In Rett and in Parkinson's, problems in the substantia nigra and dopaminergic systems result in extreme physical disability.
Depression and anxiety
In addition to dopamine, serotonin is also affected in Rett Syndrome. Serotonin levels impact mood, anxiety and sleep. Many individuals with Rett suffer from bouts of extreme anxiety, agitation and possible depression (actual diagnosis limited by communication barriers) as well as sleep-cycle issues.
Stress disorders
The "fight or flight" response, mediated by the autonomic nervous system and intricately linked with brain and immune system functions, is disturbed in Rett Syndrome. Finding the sources and tracing the transmission of this imbalance will add to knowledge of the physiology of stress.
Banner image - Mouse neurons from the nodose ganglia (part of the vagus nerve). MECP2 stains green. Photography courtesy of David Katz/Journal of Neuroscience.
