Sleep Patterns Linked to Increased Dementia Risk in Older Women, Study Suggests

Recent research published in the journal Neurology indicates that changes in sleep patterns are strongly correlated with the risk of developing dementia in older women. Led by researchers Yue Leng, PhD, and Sasha Milton, this study monitored 733 women aged 83 on average over five years to determine how variations in sleep patterns affected their cognitive health. At the conclusion of the study, 13% of participants developed dementia, with notable differences observed between those with stable sleep, declining nighttime sleep, and increasing sleepiness during the day. Particularly troubling was the finding that individuals experiencing increasing sleepiness had about double the risk of dementia compared to those with stable sleep patterns, even after accounting for common health confounders such as diabetes and hypertension. Further context for this study comes from an extensive body of UCSF-led research establishing a link between poor sleep quality during midlife and an elevated risk of dementia. The ambiguity of whether sleep deterioration causes cognitive decline or vice versa remains a topic of scientific debate, suggesting that both scenarios might be plausible. Additionally, a separate Yale study further underscores the importance of sleep on brain health, particularly regarding Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers identified that less slow-wave and REM sleep correlates with a decline in brain regions susceptible to Alzheimer’s-related degeneration, indicating that sleep architecture could serve as a potential early marker for identifying individuals at risk. This research highlights the intricate relationship between our sleep quality and neurological health, particularly as our population ages and the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases rises. The findings signify a crucial intersection where better understanding and management of sleep could play a vital role in combating dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. With sleep being a critical component of cognitive function and overall well-being, this study and others like it emphasize the necessity of ensuring healthy sleep patterns, particularly as individuals age. For those concerned about brain health, these studies serve as a clarion call for prioritizing sleep hygiene and addressing any disturbances as a step towards maintaining cognitive vitality in later life.