Could Constant Daytime Sleepiness Be A Red Flag For Dementia? Study Answers (Image Credits: iStock)
Older adults experiencing persistent daytime drowsiness and a lack of enthusiasm for activities may be at a heightened risk of developing a pre-dementia condition, according to a new study published in Neurology. These sleep-related issues are linked to "motoric cognitive risk syndrome" (MCR), a condition marked by slower walking speed and memory issues, which can signal early cognitive decline, researchers say.
The study reveals that seniors who struggle with excessive daytime sleepiness and reduced motivation are over three times more likely to develop MCR than those without these symptoms. Conducted by Dr. Victoire Leroy and her team at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, the research points to a potential connection between disrupted sleep and cognitive decline in seniors.
“Our findings emphasize the need for screening for sleep issues,” Dr. Leroy noted in a statement released by the American Academy of Neurology. “There's potential that people could get help with their sleep issues and prevent cognitive decline later in life.” However, more research is needed to understand how these sleep disturbances are mechanistically linked to MCR and cognitive decline, she added.
The researchers followed 445 seniors with an average age of 76, none of whom had dementia at the study's onset. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their sleep habits, motivation, and memory, and their walking speed was periodically tested on a treadmill to assess motoric function. Of these participants, 177 were classified as poor sleepers, while 268 were considered good sleepers.
At the start of the study, 42 participants already had MCR. During the average follow-up period of three years, another 36 developed the condition. Notably, about 36% of seniors with daytime sleepiness and lack of motivation developed MCR, compared to just 7% among those without these sleep-related issues.
Though the study does not definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship, the findings suggest that maintaining good sleep quality may help protect brain health as people age.
Managing Sleep Issues to Support Cognitive Health
Improving sleep quality may be one way to reduce cognitive risks in older adults. Here are some practical strategies to help manage sleep problems:
- Establish a Regular Sleep Schedule: Encourage seniors to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, which helps regulate the body’s internal clock and supports consistent sleep quality.
- Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Reducing light and noise in the bedroom can make it easier to fall asleep. Keeping the room cool and using blackout curtains can also improve sleep quality.
- Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and alcohol before bed can help seniors sleep more soundly, as both substances are known to disrupt sleep patterns.
- Encourage Physical Activity: Regular exercise, especially earlier in the day, can improve both physical health and sleep quality. Walking, stretching, and light strength exercises are effective and accessible options for older adults.
- Mindful Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, meditation, or light reading before bed can help relax the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep.
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