Sleep Patterns and Dementia Risk
Research indicates that older women experiencing increased daytime sleepiness over five years have double the risk of developing dementia, highlighting the importance of sleep for cognitive health.
The study, involving 733 female participants with an average age of 83, identified three sleep pattern groups and found a significant correlation between worsening sleep patterns and increased dementia risk.
Implications and Recommendations
Despite the association, the study does not establish causation but suggests that changes in sleep patterns could serve as early markers for dementia risk in women in their 80s.
Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, mental and social engagement, and managing health conditions are recommended to reduce dementia risk, emphasizing the role of sleep in cognitive aging.