• Older adults who are excessively sleepy during the day or have significant sleep problems are at higher risk for a pre-dementia condition called motor cognitive risk syndrome (MCR).

• MCR, characterized by a slower walking speed and some memory problems, was found to be more likely in a cohort of people over 65 who met the criteria for “poor sleep”, with excessive sleepiness during of the day and lack of enthusiasm for daytime activities. .

• Although a causal relationship has not been established, the association between sleep problems and MCR warrants more studies, experts say, and middle-aged people with similar sleep disorders should address them early.

Older adults who have excessive daytime sleepiness or have significant sleep problems poses a greater risk for a pre-dementia condition called motor cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), according to a new study published in Neurologymedical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

MCR, characterized by a lower walking speed and some memory problemsit was found to be more likely in a cohort of people over 65 who met the criteria of “poor sleepers”, with excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm for daytime activities. Although there is no direct causal relationship, the authors note that the association deserves further study.

Does daytime sleepiness signal early cognitive decline?

Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York, studied a cohort of 445 participants with an average age of 76 who did not have dementia. At the start of the study, participants took questionnaires about their sleep habits that involved the following:

• waking at night and unable to go back to sleep

• delays in falling asleep in less than half an hour

• temperature-related sleep difficulties

• the drugs they used to fall asleep or stay asleep

They were also asked about daytime fatigue, including the inability to stay awake during social activities, meals, or while driving, their level of excitement about completing daytime activities, and memory problems. With a treadmill, the researchers observed the walking speed of the participants and then tested it once a year for an average of three years.

A total of 177 people were characterized as “bad sleepers”, while 268 met the definition of “good sleepers”. At the start of the study, 42 people had motor cognitive risk syndrome and a further 36 people developed it during the study. When adjusted for other factors such as age, depression and other health conditions, the researchers found that people with excessive daytime sleepiness and lack of enthusiasm for daytime activities were more than three times more likely to develop MCR than those without the same sleep problems. .

While fatigue is a natural part of aging, the study established a difference between this type of fatigue and a type of sleepiness that indicates more significant problems, Dr. Verna Porter, MDboard-certified neurologist and director of Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Neurocognitive Disorders at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in the study, said Today’s medical news.

The limitation of the study is that participants self-reported their sleep information. They may not have remembered everything accurately.

What is the link between sleep problems and dementia?

Dr Porter explained that while the study mainly focused on people with an average age of 76, chronic sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia have long term consequences on cognitive health.

She also noted that middle-aged people can take steps to sleep better and protect their cognitive abilities, such as prioritizing sleep hygiene, stress management using mindfulness, yogaor cognitive-behavioral therapygetting regular exercise and addressing sleep disorders early.

“If sleep apnea or insomnia develops in middle age, it’s important to seek prompt treatment. For example, untreated/undertreated sleep apnea may not only increase the risk of cerebrovascular/cardiovascular diseases but it can also increase the risk of future dementia (eg, Alzheimer’s disease),” Dr. Porter said.

Dr. Steve Allderconsultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health, echoed that sentiment, saying it’s important to address sleep issues earlier in life.

How can it help older adults sleep better?

Dr. Porter recommended a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-2 fatty acids to improve sleep quality and improve cognitive function. However, she also emphasized the importance of exercise in cognitive health, regulating sleep patterns and reducing daytime fatigue.

“Moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming or yoga, at least 150 minutes a week. Strength training exercises can also help maintain muscle mass and improve sleep quality,” said Dr. Porter.

“Older adults should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. However, sleep efficiency (percentage of time spent asleep versus in bed) is also important. Improving sleep quality by addressing sleep disturbances and creating a healthy routine is critical to maintaining cognitive health,” she added.

See the original article on Today’s medical news