Older adults experiencing daytime sleepiness and low enthusiasm may face a heightened risk of cognitive decline, which could potentially lead to dementia. A recent study highlights these issues as potential precursors to motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), linked to dementia.
Researchers examined 445 adults, averaging 76 years old, who had no history of dementia.
Participants completed detailed sleep questionnaires, evaluating sleep quality and daytime activity levels. The study also assessed walking speed and memory function annually over a three-year period.
KEY FINDINGS
At the start, 42 participants had MCR, characterized by slow walking and memory challenges, indicating potential early signs of dementia.
Over three years, 36 more individuals developed MCR.
- Participants with excessive daytime sleepiness and low enthusiasm were over three times more likely to develop MCR.
- 35.5% of those with sleep-related problems developed MCR, compared to 6.7% without these issues.
SLEEP PATTERNS AND THEIR IMPACT ON HEALTH
- 177 participants were categorized as poor sleepers, while 268 were considered good sleepers.
- Poor sleepers reported frequent nighttime disturbances like waking up or difficulty falling asleep.
- Participants were asked about their ability to stay awake during activities like driving, eating, or socializing, as these could be early indicators of dementia.
- Difficulty staying awake during such tasks significantly correlated with MCR risk.
- A lack of enthusiasm to finish daily tasks also emerged as a strong indicator of potential MCR.
Lead study author Victoire Leroy, MD, PhD, emphasized the importance of identifying and addressing sleep issues early. “Sleep problems affecting daytime alertness may increase cognitive risk,” Leroy noted, potentially leading to dementia over time.
Screening and treating sleep disturbances might prevent or delay cognitive decline in older adults, which is essential in dementia prevention.
Adjusting lifestyle habits and addressing underlying conditions could help improve sleep quality.
The study relied on participants’ self-reported sleep data, which may not always be precise, highlighting a limitation. Objective measurements of sleep quality were not included, leaving room for further research on its connection to dementia.
FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS
- Understanding the mechanisms linking sleep disturbances to cognitive decline and their role in dementia onset.
- Exploring how MCR serves as a bridge to dementia.
- PRACTICAL STEPS TO IMPROVE SLEEP QUALITY
Regular sleep and wake times can regulate the body’s internal clock. - Practices like reading or meditating can improve sleep onset.
- Avoid caffeine and electronics before bedtime to promote deeper sleep and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.