Sleep disorders can be an indication of dementia

How does restless sleep affect the risk of dementia??

If people spend restless nights more often and suffer from sleep problems, this can be an early indication of the development of dementia. Researchers have now found that older people without apparent cognitive impairment have more frequent so-called amyloid-protein deposits in their brain when they have sleep problems and an irregular sleep-wake cycle.

The Washington University researchers found in their study that sleep problems and increased sleepiness during the day may be indications of the risk of dementia. The experts published the results of their study in the journal "JAMA Neurology".

Sometimes people wake up at night and then have problems falling asleep again. Such a sleepless night can greatly reduce the performance the next day. In addition, if sleep problems and daytime drowsiness are common, it can also be a warning sign of developing dementia. (Image: Sven Vietense / fotolia.com)

Sleep problems should be taken seriously

Do you have trouble falling asleep at night, do you wake up frequently and are you more sleepy during the day? These could actually be signs of an increased risk of developing dementia. So do not take any sleep problems lightly, but talk to them calmly at their next medical appointment.

Early symptoms of dementia

Dementia is a collective term for an accumulation of various symptoms resulting from damage to the brain by various diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease). Some early symptoms associated with degenerative disease may occur some time before a diagnosis. These include, for example, memory loss and difficulty concentrating. The current study found that restless sleep and the habit of sleeping during the day can be early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Regular sleep protects against amyloid plaques?

Amyloid-protein deposits (so-called amyloid plaques) are a hallmark of Alzheimer's and can develop years before the onset of symptoms of dementia. If sleep patterns were more regular among study participants, they were less likely to develop significant depositions of amyloid protein in their brains, the researchers explain.

Sleep problems do not automatically mean Alzheimer's

Although scientists have found more amyloid in people with a disturbed sleep pattern, the findings can not clearly tell whether restless sleep actually contributes to Alzheimer's disease or is just a sign of the disease. People should not automatically assume that they have Alzheimer's just because they wake up at night, study author Dr. Erik S. Musiek of Washington University. There are several other reasons for a disturbed sleep-wake cycle.

Address sleep problems at the doctor's appointment

Some changes in sleep patterns are typical for older people. Although sleep disorders usually manifest as nocturnal awakenings and short periods of compensatory sleep, sufferers do not always notice these events and may not report to their doctor. Nevertheless, these problems can be seen in a large group of people, Dr. Musiek. (As)