Good sleep is crucial for overall health, and new research suggests it could also impact the risk of dementia. A study published in the journal Neurology analyzed data from 445 adults aged 65 and up, assessing them for motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), a precursor to dementia.
The researchers divided the participants into “good” sleepers and “poor” sleepers and discovered that 35 percent of those with extreme daytime sleepiness went on to develop MCR, compared to just 6.7 percent of those without daytime sleepiness. According to Verna Porter, MD, a neurologist and director of the Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and Neurocognitive Disorders at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, feeling tired after a long day is normal, but excessive sleepiness, such as falling asleep during meals or social activities, is not.
Understanding Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome
Motoric cognitive risk syndrome is characterized by slow walking and cognitive complaints, such as trouble with memory and thinking. Porter explains that excessive sleepiness can also cause a lack of enthusiasm for daily tasks, which goes beyond normal fatigue. W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician, notes that there is an established link between dysfunctional sleep and dementia, with the brain’s glymphatic system, which pumps out waste products, being more active and efficient during healthy sleep.
The Connection Between Sleep and Dementia Prevention
This study is not the first to link better sleep with a lower risk of dementia. Previous research has found that people with sleep apnea are more likely to develop dementia. While the exact cause of dementia is still unknown, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several steps to lower the risk, including being physically active, managing diabetes and blood pressure, preventing or correcting hearing loss, and limiting or avoiding alcohol and smoking.
Winter suggests that naps can also be beneficial, although it is essential to establish a regular sleep schedule. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides tips for improving sleep, including going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, exercising regularly, getting natural sunlight, and limiting electronics before bed.
Improving Sleep Quality
If struggling with falling asleep or staying asleep, there are several strategies that can help. These include establishing a consistent sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and creating a sleep-conducive environment. If these measures do not help, it is recommended to consult a doctor for personalized advice or a referral to a sleep specialist.
Mitchell Landsberg is the senior reporter for News Raise and focuses on Technology. Mitchell regularly writes about social media platforms and how influencers, industry and general people use them to communicate and make money.
