Too much or too little sleep linked to cognitive decline
Published 16 July 2012
A group of research studies presented at Alzheimer’s Association’s International Conference 2012 point to a link between quantity and quality of sleep and risk of cognitive decline.
Scientists from the University of California San Francisco evaluated the sleep cycles of over 1,300 older women over the course of several studies. The research showed that sleep disorders such as problems breathing more than doubled the risk of developing mild cognitive impairments or dementia. The studies also found that disruption to sleep increased the risk of developing MCI or dementia.
A study from INSERM in France showed that sleep quality and quantity decline with age. The research, based on analysis of data from 4,894 older people, found that excessive daytime sleepiness increased risk of cognitive decline.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'A good night's sleep is one of life's pleasures but once again, this robust research suggests that the quality and duration of sleep are also linked to our cognitive health. While this link is now quite well established, more research is needed to determine whether factors like sleep duration are a cause or effect of cognitive decline.
'We're not saying you shouldn't enjoy the occasional lie in, but good quality sleep, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can all make a difference in reducing your risk.'
Dr Anne Corbett
Research Manager
Alzheimer's Society
Research references:
Sleep Duration and Cognitive Function: The Nurses' Health Study by Elizabeth Devore et al presented at Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2012
Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Function in Older Women by Kristine Yaffe et al presented at Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2012
Sleep and Cognitive Decline in the Elderly by Claudine Berr et al presented at Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2012
