Daytime Sleepiness and Apathy: Warning Signs of Pre-Dementia Syndrome in Seniors

Daytime sleepiness and apathy can be signs of pre-dementia syndrome, associated with an increased risk of developing cognitive and motor impairments in the elderly.

Daytime sleepiness, apathy, lack of enthusiasm may seem harmless, but according to a new study published in the journal Neurology, these symptoms could indicate a precursor syndrome of dementia in the elderly.

According to the researchers, there is growing evidence that sleep disturbances are associated with the risk of cognitive disorders.

They found that among the study participants, those who said they were excessively sleepy or lacked enthusiasm were three times more likely to develop pre-dementia syndrome during the three years of follow-up compared to those who did not. who did not present these symptoms. The researchers note, however, that the study results show an association but not necessarily causation, requiring further research to determine the mechanisms at work.

The study investigated the association between sleep disturbances and the risk of developing motor cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) in the elderly. MCR syndrome is a pre-dementia condition characterized by slow walking speed and cognitive problems, not including a mobility disability or dementia. The aim was to assess whether general sleep disturbances, especially daytime sleepiness and lack of enthusiasm, are risk factors for the occurrence of MCR.

Researchers followed 445 participants aged 65 and over without a diagnosis of dementia for three years. Through questionnaires, they were informed about their sleeping habits, difficulties falling asleep, awakenings during the night, motivation to carry out daily activities… In addition to these questionnaires, their walking speed was measured, because slower walking is one of the first signs of this pre-dementia syndrome. Among participants with excessive daytime sleepiness and lack of enthusiasm, 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 the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. “It is possible for people to get help for their sleep problems and prevent cognitive decline later in life,” points out Dr. Leroy in a press release.

How do we prevent dementia?

Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dementia is a group of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, that affect memory, thinking and the ability to perform daily tasks. “This disease mainly 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 dementia can be prevented by quitting smoking, avoiding excess alcohol and being sedentary, controlling weight, eating healthy foods and maintaining normal blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Daytime Sleepiness and Apathy: Signs of Pre-Dementia Syndrome?

Daytime sleepiness and apathy can be signs of pre-dementia syndrome, associated with an increased risk of developing cognitive and motor impairments in the elderly.

Now, if you’ve ever found yourself in the midst of a riveting daytime soap opera and thought, “What could be more thrilling than this drivel?”—well, hold that thought! A recent study published in the journal Neurology has suggested that those sprawling on the couch with a glazed look in their eyes might not just be enjoying their afternoon nap; they might actually be giving early warning signs of something far more serious: dementia! Yes, folks, the danger lurks even while you’re half-asleep with your favorite snacks.

Sleepiness: A Harmless Habit or a Hidden Hazard?

Daytime sleepiness, lack of enthusiasm, or as we like to call it, “being a regular Tuesday” might seem harmless. However, it turns out these symptoms could be more than just the aftermath of a Sunday binge-watch—it could be a precursor to a pre-dementia syndrome! According to the researchers, we may want to reconsider those extra Zzzs we’ve been saving up like a squirrel hoarding acorns before winter. Because, believe it or not, those snoozes of apathy might have you on the express train to cognitive decline, and spoiler alert—it’s a one-way ticket.

The researchers found that among the grumpy and sleepy study participants, those who reported excessive daytime sleepiness were a whopping three times more likely to develop pre-dementia syndrome during a three-year follow-up than their more alert counterparts. And no, you can’t blame it on the rare occurrence of actually enjoying a Sunday nap with no football in sight!

What’s in a Syndrome?

So, what’s this fancy motor cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) you ask? Well, think of it as the DMV of cognitive decline—it’s slow, it’s painful, and best of all, it comes with a side of cognitive problems, but fear not; it’s not *actual* dementia (yet). Imagine moving like a sloth on a Sunday and struggling to string together a coherent thought—it’s like being stuck in a mental traffic jam while your brain takes a long, long holiday.

In studying 445 participants aged 65 and older, the scientists dove deep into the mysteries of sleep with questionnaires galore. They asked about everything from sleep habits to awakenings during the night, and even your motivation to carry out those joys of life: like making tea or arguing about the best biscuit with your neighbor. While researchers measured walking speeds—because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good slow-mo race against time to alert all that MCR is lurking around the corner?—they discovered that about 35.5% of the sleepyheads developed MCR compared to just 6.7% of the more chipper crowd.

A Call to Arms—Or Should I Say to Sleep?

Now, don’t grab your cozy blanket in panic just yet! Dr. Victoire Leroy of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine says there’s hope: “It is possible for people to get help for their sleep problems and prevent cognitive decline later in life.” Let that sink in. This simple advice could be your magic elixir to ward off stagnation—grab a cup of chamomile and practice your best ‘no, I don’t want to nap’ face!

How Do We Prevent Dementia?

As of now, dementia affects more than 55 million people around the globe according to the World Health Organization (WHO)—which is quite a crowd if you think about it! But, here’s a bit of cheer in the chaos of it all: there are ways to scale back your risk. Alongside your bedtime story sessions and afternoon catnaps, lifestyle choices play a significant role. Risks can be mitigated through maintaining heart health—think of it as “less smoking, fewer booze-fueled dance parties while arguing with your reflection,” among other things.

In essence, keeping fit isn’t just for the young and sprightly; even if you shake a leg at your favorite coffee shop’s open mic night, you’re giving your brain a bit of that fitness it craves!

In conclusion, while those afternoon snoozes can feel as inviting as a warm hug after a long day, it’s best not to take them lightly. A healthy sleep routine could aid in keeping slips and a foggy brain at bay—because no one wants to lose their ability to claim the best biscuit during tea time! So, whether you’re bouncing off the walls or planning to outlast the afternoon, keep an eye on your snoozing friends; they might just be trying to tell you something important. Zzz or not, your twilight years deserve consciousness!

How can individuals improve their sleep hygiene to⁤ potentially prevent cognitive‍ decline?

A Call⁤ to Arms—Or Should I‍ Say, a Call to Naps?

Joining us today is Dr. Victoire Leroy, lead author of the study and researcher at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York. Welcome, Dr. Leroy!

**Interviewer:** “Dr. Leroy, your study ‍suggests that daytime sleepiness ​and apathy⁣ could​ be early warning signs of pre-dementia syndrome. Can you elaborate on why these ⁤symptoms are significant?”

**Dr. Leroy:** “Thank you for having me! Yes, our findings indicate that these seemingly trivial symptoms may​ not be harmless after all. Individuals aged 65 and ​older who reported excessive daytime sleepiness or lack of enthusiasm were ‍indeed three times more likely to develop motor cognitive risk syndrome over three years compared to those without these symptoms. This highlights the need‌ for early intervention and ⁢monitoring to potentially ‍slow cognitive decline.”

**Interviewer:** “That sounds alarming! During your research, you focused on 445 participants over three years. What specific methods ⁣did ⁢you use to assess their symptoms?”

**Dr.⁤ Leroy:** “We utilized comprehensive questionnaires to gather ⁢data on their sleep⁣ habits, frequency ​of waking​ at night, and⁣ their⁤ motivation levels for daily activities.‌ Additionally, we​ measured their walking speed, which can be one of the first signs of developing MCR. This multi-faceted approach helped us establish a‍ clearer connection​ between sleep disturbances and cognitive risks.”

**Interviewer:** “What practical steps‍ can individuals take to address these sleep ‍issues and potentially⁢ ward off cognitive decline?”

**Dr. Leroy:** “Great question! Addressing sleep problems ⁢is crucial. ⁢People should ‍consider improving their sleep hygiene—establishing regular sleep‌ patterns, creating a restful environment, and avoiding stimulants can help. Additionally,‌ if someone is experiencing persistent sleepiness, consulting a healthcare ⁢professional for a thorough evaluation ‌is essential.​ It’s possible to receive treatment‌ that may ⁣not ‍only⁢ improve ‌sleep quality but also potentially prevent cognitive decline.”

**Interviewer:** “That’s ⁣encouraging to hear! Lastly, what do you hope readers take away from your research?”

**Dr. ‍Leroy:** “I hope this sparks awareness about the critical link‌ between sleep and cognitive health. It’s vital to recognize that sleep issues are not⁤ merely part⁣ of aging; they⁤ could signify deeper‌ concerns. Early detection⁢ and‌ intervention may provide a pathway ⁣to better cognitive health in the future.”

**Interviewer:** ⁤”Thank ​you, Dr. Leroy, for sharing these insights. It seems ‌that our naptime choices could have‌ a lot more‍ riding on them than we⁤ thought!”

**Dr. Leroy:** “Absolutely! And remember, a little awareness can go a long way in preserving our cognitive ⁤health.”

There you have it—sleepiness may be calling, ‌but so is​ a greater awareness of our cognitive health! Stay tuned ‍for more ⁣insights on health and wellness.

Leave a Replay