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Daytime Sleepiness in Older Adults Linked to Increased Dementia Risk

New studies reveal that sleep disturbances and excessive daytime sleepiness may signal higher chances of developing dementia-related syndromes.

Feeling sleepy during the day could indicate a higher risk for cognitive issues down the line, a new study has found.
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Older woman with a headache at home
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Overview

  • Research indicates a 27% increased risk of dementia with each 1% annual loss of slow-wave sleep in individuals over 60.
  • Slow-wave sleep is crucial for brain health, aiding in the removal of waste and toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease.
  • Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) syndrome, characterized by slow walking and memory complaints, doubles dementia risk.
  • Daytime dysfunction, such as sleepiness and lack of enthusiasm, is linked to a 3.3 times higher risk of MCR.
  • Experts emphasize the importance of addressing sleep issues early to potentially prevent cognitive decline.