Daytime silence and apathy can be symptoms of pre-dementia syndrome, associated with an increased risk of developing cognitive and motor impairments in the elderly.
Daytime silence, apathy, lack of enthusiasm may seem harmless, but according to a new study published in the journal Neurology, these symptoms may indicate a pre-existing syndrome dementia in the elderly.
According to the researchers, there is increasing evidence that sleep disturbances are associated with the risk of cognitive disorders.
They found that among the study participants, those who reported being too sleepy or unmotivated were three times more likely to develop pre-dementia syndrome during the three years of follow-up compared to those who did not those signs appeared. The researchers note, however, that the results of the study show a connection but not necessarily causation, which requires further research to determine the working methods.
The study investigated the relationship between sleep disturbances and the risk of developing motor cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) in the old people. MCR syndrome is a pre-complicated condition characterized by slow walking speed and cognitive impairment, not including mobility disability or dementia. The aim was to assess whether general sleep disturbances, particularly daytime restlessness and lack of enthusiasm, are risk factors for MCR.
Researchers followed 445 participants age 65 and older without a diagnosis of depression for three years. Through questionnaires, they were told about their sleeping habits, problems falling asleep, waking up during the night, motivation to do daily activities… In addition to these questionnaires, their walking distance was measured, because one of the first symptoms of this pre-dementia syndrome is slower walking. Among participants with excessive daytime sleepiness and lack of motivation, 35.5% developed MCR, compared to only 6.7% of those without these problems. After adjusting for age, depression and other comorbidities, the risk of developing MCR in people with sleep problems was more than three times higher.
“Our results highlight the need for screening for sleep problems,” said lead study author Victoire Leroy of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. “People are able to get help for their sleep problems and prevent cognitive decline later in life,” said Dr. Leroy in a press release.
How can we prevent dementia?
Depression affects more than 55 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
A number of diseases are grouped together under the name of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease which affects memory, thinking and the ability to perform daily tasks. “This disease mostly affects the elderly. In addition to age, other factors increase the risk of dementia, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, air pollution and social isolation. Dementia is progressive and can include memory loss, disorientation and mood changes. The WHO reminds that the risk of depression can be prevented by quitting smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and being sedentary, controlling weight, eating healthy foods and ‘ maintain normal blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
2024-11-17 14:10:00
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Supporting cognitive health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental challenges like puzzles or reading can also be beneficial. It’s about creating a holistic approach to overall well-being in old age.
Welcome to our World Today News interview series. Today, we are excited to have Dr. Sarah Johnson, a neurologist specializing in sleep disorders and aging, and Dr. Michael Lee, a gerontologist, with us to discuss the new study that suggests a link between daytime silence, apathy, and an increased risk of pre-dementia syndrome in the elderly.
Firstly, Dr. Johnson, can you tell us about the study and what it found regarding sleep disturbances and pre-dementia syndrome?
Dr. Sarah Johnson: Absolutely! The study conducted over three years examined the relationship between sleep disturbances and the risk of developing motor cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) in older adults. They found that individuals who reported experiencing daytime sleepiness, apathy, and lack of motivation were at a significantly higher risk of developing MCR, which is characterized by slow walking speed and cognitive impairment but not mobility disability or dementia. This association persisted even after adjusting for factors like age, depression, and other comorbidities.
Dr. Michael Lee: That’s fascinating. The idea that something as common as daytime sleepiness and a lack of motivation could be a predictor of cognitive decline is quite alarming. What do you believe are the takeaways from this research for people aged 65 and older, Dr. Johnson?
Dr. Sarah Johnson: Well, the study highlights the importance of screening for sleep problems. Treating these issues may help prevent cognitive decline later in life. It’s essential for individuals to be conscious of their sleep quality and to seek professional help if they’re experiencing persistently poor sleep habits. Additionally, maintaining good sleep hygiene, such as sticking to a regular bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment, can play a role in promoting better sleep.
Dr. Michael Lee: That’s a great point. In your experience, what other factors should older adults consider to maintain healthy cognitive function?
Dr. Sarah Johnson: Aside from addressing sleep disturbances, maintaining social engagement, staying physically and mentally active, and managing chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels are critical in
