Alzheimer’s Society comment on longer sleep duration being associated with an increased risk of dementia
Published 13 August 2009
Older people who reported sleeping for more than nine hours in each 24 hours and feeling sleepy during the day were more likely to develop dementia according to new research
The study of more than 3,000 people in Spain investigated the correlation between sleep patterns and the development of dementia over a three year period. While sleeping longer than normal resulted in an increased association, there was no direct link found between sleeping less than normal (six hours or less in 24 hours) and developing dementia.
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
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Notes to editors
'This report suggests that sleeping longer than normal and feeling sleepy during the day is a sign of developing dementia. There is no apparent physiological link and it is unlikely that sleeping more than normal is a direct risk factor for dementia. It maybe that this is just a statistical coincidence or perhaps that sleeping is an early sign of a yet undiagnosed condition.Dr Susanne Sorensen
As currently only a third of people with dementia ever receive a formal diagnosis, more research is now needed to investigate these results although research is drastically underfunded. One million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years. We need to act now.'
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
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Notes to editors
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
