Older adults who experience daytime sleepiness or a lack of interest in activities due to sleep problems may have a higher risk of developing a syndrome linked to dementia, according to new research.
A study published in the online edition of Neurology® on November 6, 2024, suggests that older individuals who are excessively sleepy during the day or who show low motivation for activities may be more prone to a syndrome that can potentially precede dementia.
This syndrome is characterized by a slower walking pace and self-reported memory concerns, despite the absence of mobility impairments or dementia. Known as motoric cognitive risk syndrome, it can manifest prior to the onset of dementia.
Researchers discovered that individuals suffering from significant daytime sleepiness coupled with diminished motivation were more likely to develop this syndrome compared to those who did not have these sleep-related problems. However, this study does not establish that these sleep issues cause the syndrome; it merely indicates a connection between the two.
“Our results highlight the importance of screening for sleep disorders,” stated study author Victoire Leroy, MD, PhD, from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York. “There is a possibility that addressing these sleep concerns could help avoid cognitive decline in later years.”
The study included 445 participants with an average age of 76 who did not have dementia. At the beginning, they filled out sleep-related questionnaires, reported any memory concerns, and their walking speed was assessed on a treadmill at the start of the study and annually for an average duration of three years.
The sleep evaluation included inquiries about how often participants experienced sleeping difficulties such as waking in the middle of the night, taking longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep, feeling too hot or cold at night, and whether they used sleep medications. A specific question assessed excessive daytime sleepiness, focusing on the frequency of trouble staying awake while driving, eating, or socializing, while another question gauged how much of a challenge participants faced in maintaining adequate enthusiasm to complete tasks.
Out of the participants, 177 were classified as poor sleepers, whereas 268 were categorized as good sleepers.
Initially, 42 participants were identified as having motoric cognitive risk syndrome. Additionally, 36 new cases of the syndrome emerged during the study period.
Among those experiencing daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm, 35.5% developed the syndrome, in contrast to only 6.7% among those without such issues. After adjusting for other factors like age, depression, and various health conditions, the researchers found that those with excessive sleepiness and low motivation were over three times more likely to develop the syndrome compared to those who did not face sleep-related challenges.
Leroy noted, “Further research is essential to explore the connections between sleep disturbances and cognitive decline, as well as the role of motoric cognitive risk syndrome.” She emphasized the need for studies that elucidate how these sleep disruptions link to the syndrome and cognitive deterioration.
A limitation of the study is that participants provided their own sleep data, which could lead to inaccuracies in their recollections.
This research was funded by the National Institute on Aging.
