Faculty

Michael H. Silber, M.B., Ch.B.

Location

Rochester, Minnesota Clinical Profile

SUMMARY

The principal research interest of Michael H. Silber, M.B., Ch.B., is the relationship between rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder and neurodegenerative diseases. REM sleep behavior disorder is often an early symptom to a group of neurodegenerative disorders known as the synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy.

His additional research interests include the epidemiology and pathogenesis of narcolepsy, with special reference to the hypocretin system and pharmacological management of restless legs syndrome.

Focus areas

  • REM sleep behavior disorder. Dr. Silber works with a team of neurological sleep specialists and behavioral neurologists, including Erik K. St. Louis, M.D., and Bradley F. Boeve, M.D., studying REM sleep behavior disorder. Their research includes:

    • Prospective studies describing how REM sleep behavior disorder relates to neurodegenerative diseases
    • Studies examining how REM sleep behavior disorder is related to antidepressant use and post-traumatic stress disorder
    • Quantitative electromyography (EMG) measurements of REM sleep atonia to better understand their relationship to clinical and prognostic factors
  • Ethics of sleep disorders. Dr. Silber examines the ethics of disclosing the significance of REM sleep behavior disorder.

Significance to patient care

Understanding the relationship between REM sleep behavior disorders and neurodegenerative diseases is important, especially in terms of treatment development. People with REM sleep behavior disorder are particularly suitable for clinical trials of medications that might prevent the development of these neurodegenerative disorders. Further, a detailed understanding of REM sleep behavior disorder and its natural history will provide important information for future clinical trials for its treatment.

Professional highlights

  • Elliott and Marlys Badzin Neuro-Degenerative Sleep Disorder Professorship, 2022
  • Excellence in Education Award, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2017
  • Sleep Science Award, American Academy of Neurology, 2013
  • Nathaniel Kleitman Distinguished Service Award, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2010
  • Helmut Schmidt Award, American Board of Sleep Medicine, 2000

PROFESSIONAL DETAILS

Primary Appointment

  1. Consultant, Department of Neurology

Joint Appointment

  1. Consultant, Sleep Disorders Center, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine

Academic Rank

  1. Professor of Neurology

EDUCATION

  1. Resident Neurology, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  2. Senior Resident - Neurology Mayo Clinic in Rochester
  3. Master of Medicine - Neurology; Dissertation: The Spectrum of Acute and Subacute Myelopathy University of Cape Town
  4. Senior Registrar - Neurology Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town
  5. Chief Registrar - Internal Medicine Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town
  6. Registrar - Internal Medicine Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town
  7. Senior House Officer - Cardiology Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town
  8. Senior House Officer - Neurology Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town
  9. MB ChB University of Cape Town
  10. BSc - Physiology University of Cape Town

Clinical Studies

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Publications

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BIO-00026341

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