ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SLEEP AND COGNITIVE DECLINE IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Older adults are at an increased risk of sleep disorders as well as cognitive decline in the form of memory problems, dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease. In fact, it is predicted that upwards of 25% of patients with dementia experience disordered sleeping. Due to the observed rate of comorbidities in the older adult population, it has become increasingly important to investigate the relationship between sleep and cognitive decline. The present study of older adults shows an association between sleep characteristics, including difficulty falling asleep and feeling rested, and new onset dementia. A correlation was also found between sleep disorders and new onset dementia. Lastly, the remission, persistence, or development of a sleep disorder over a two-year period was associated with change in memory for better or worse over that same two-year period. Due to the progressive nature of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, a bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbance and cognitive decline could have important clinical implications pertaining to detection of increased risk for cognitive decline in older adults and potential treatment options. Specifically, sleep interventions could be of use in preventing the onset and progression of cognitive decline.