As we age, sleep patterns and cognitive health becomes important in maintaining overall well-being. Research has linked various sleep disorders including excessive daytime sleepiness and obstructive sleep apnea with a risk of cognitive decline.
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The study revealed that individuals who experience frequent daytime sleepiness and reduced enthusiasm are more likely to develop motoric cognitive risk syndrome.
Among study participants, those with symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness faced a 35.5% likelihood of developing MCR, compared to just 6.7% of participants who did not report such symptoms.
MCR is marked by slow walking speed and memory complaints in older adults who do not yet have dementia or mobility disabilities.
MCR was first identified in 2013 and is now recognized as a potential precursor to dementia. The development of MCR has been linked to a twofold increase in the risk of progressing to dementia.
Motoric Cognitive Risk syndrome is characterized by slow walking speed and cognitive complaints in older adults, impacting 2% to 27% of the global senior population.
This condition is an early warning sign for dementia and affects individuals without a dementia diagnosis. Symptoms like EDS and lack of enthusiasm for daily activities have been associated with MCR and new studies highlight this link with cognitive decline.
Excessive daytime sleepiness increases the risk of developing MCR syndrome. A study led by Dr. Victoire Leroy at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that older adults with persistent daytime drowsiness or reduced interest in daily activities were over three times more likely to develop MCR than those without such symptoms.
Early intervention for sleep-related issues may reduce the progression to cognitive decline, addressing the role of medical professionals in identifying and managing these symptoms.
Sleep issues like insomnia, difficulty staying awake during routine activities and frequent awakenings at night could be indicators for assessing dementia risk in older individuals.
The study recruited 445 dementia-free adults with an average age of 76, who underwent a sleep assessment and cognitive function test annually over three years.
Participants were divided into two categories: poor sleepers (177 individuals) and good sleepers (268 individuals), based on their self-reported sleep quality.
The study observed that individuals with MCR showed memory difficulties and slower physical movements particularly in walking, which were exacerbated by sleep disruptions.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is characterized by episodes of blocked breathing leading to frequent sleep disruptions and intermittent hypoxia. OSA is prevalent in adults over 50 and undiagnosed OSA may elevate dementia risk in women.
Recent research published in SLEEP Advances addresses the link between OSA and increased dementia risk. The study analyzed data from over 18,000 adults aged 50 and older, finding that OSA raised dementia incidence among both men and women.
Women displayed a higher cumulative dementia risk related to OSA than men, particularly those aged 60 and above.
The cumulative impact of OSA on dementia incidence was quantified through the population-attributable risk percent (PAR%). The PAR% was 10.3% for women and 13.2% for men.
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Post-menopausal women are at a higher risk of developing OSA due to changes in hormonal levels. OSA-related risk factors include reduced sleep quality, fatigue, depression and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, all of which may amplify cognitive decline in aging women.
The age of menopause onset appears to influence dementia risk, with later menopause associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment.
The reduced oxygen levels experienced during OSA episodes can contribute to brain inflammation. Chronic inflammation may impair the brain’s microglial cells, essential for immune responses leading to the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau proteins seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
Continuous sleep disruptions lead to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which have been linked to brain shrinkage.
Sleep disturbances associated with OSA may cause structural and functional changes in the brain, increasing susceptibility to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Studies reveal that hypoxia and disturbed sleep can promote the buildup of tau and amyloid beta proteins, key markers of AD. The accumulation of these proteins in the brain accelerates cognitive decline in individuals with untreated OSA.
Regular screening for OSA and daytime sleepiness can help identify at-risk individuals early on. Screening tools like the STOP-Bang questionnaire, a validated method for diagnosing OSA are valuable in primary care settings.
Positive Airway Pressure therapy has shown promise in improving sleep quality and reducing mild cognitive impairment among OSA patients.
PAP therapy may also slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, supporting cognitive health in older adults diagnosed with OSA.
Encouraging good sleep practices including consistent sleep schedules and managing sleep-related disorders could reduce cognitive decline risks.
Experts recommend seven to nine hours of sleep per night and addressing factors like insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness can improve sleep quality.
Given the potential link between daytime dysfunction and cognitive decline, it is important for older adults to monitor their sleep health closely.
Physicians and caregivers should pay attention to changes in walking speed and daytime sleepiness as early indicators of cognitive decline.
Treatments for sleep disturbances range from lifestyle changes and cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia to medication for specific sleep disorders.
Addressing sleep dysfunction may have benefits for brain health and could play a role in delaying or preventing dementia onset.
In addition to sleep quality, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, physical activity and cognitive stimulation can enhance brain resilience and reduce dementia risk.
Other factors such as hearing health and fall prevention, are also essential components of maintaining cognitive health and preventing mobility-related complications.
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