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Targeted memory reactivation during sleep modulates spindle and slow wave density, but not motor memory consolidation, in Parkinson's disease

Micca, L.; Albouy, G.; King, B. R.; Nieuwboer, A.; Vandenberghe, W.; Borzee, P.; Buyse, B.; Testelman, D.; Nicolas, J.; Gilat, M.

2026-04-27 neurology
10.64898/2026.04.22.26351552 medRxiv
Show abstract

Motor memory retention is impaired in Parkinsons disease (PD), affecting long-term rehabilitation outcomes. It appears that NREM sleep could be beneficial for consolidation processes in PD, and could be leveraged with non-invasive sleep interventions. This study examined the effect of auditory targeted memory reactivation (TMR) during NREM sleep on the retention of a motor sequence learning finger tapping task in 20 PD and 20 healthy older adults (HOA). TMR was applied during a 2-hour nap and its effect on motor retention was post-nap, after 24-hours and with a dual-task. The impact of TMR on sleep electrophysiology was also evaluated. Results showed no effect of TMR on motor retention or dual-tasking, with no difference between the groups. However, the TMR intervention did increase slow-wave density and decreased spindle density in both groups, and slow-wave amplitude during the presentation of the auditory cues was positively associated with performance in HOA. In conclusion, TMR applied during a 2 hour nap did not enhance motor retention, but the changes in sleep physiological features could be linked to a possible underlying effect on memory processing that warrants further investigation.

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