Dozing off during the day or lacking enthusiasm for activities may seem trivial, but according to new study published in the newspaper Neurologythese symptoms could be indicators of a precursor syndrome of dementia in the elderly.
According to the researchers behind this work, there is growing evidence that sleep disorders are associated with the risk of cognitive disorders. In their study, they found that among study participants, those who complained of great sleepiness or lack of enthusiasm were more than three times more likely to develop pre-dementia syndrome during of three years of follow-up, compared to those who did not present these symptoms. The researchers note, however, that their results show an association, but not necessarily causation, requiring further research to determine the mechanisms at work.
Drowsiness and lack of enthusiasm: potential early signs of dementia that should not be overlooked
A excessive sleepiness during the day and a lack of enthusiasm could indicate more than just fatigue or sluggishness. This study highlights a link between certain sleep disorders and the risk of developing “motor cognitive risk syndrome” (MCR), a pre-dementia state, (which could be translated into French as “motor cognitive risk syndrome”). This syndrome appears as slower walking and mild cognitive difficulties, even in people without diagnosed motor disabilities or dementia.
As part of their work, the researchers followed 445 participants aged 65 and over without a diagnosis of dementia over a period of three years. Through questionnaires, they questioned them about their sleeping habits, their difficulties falling asleep, their nocturnal awakeningstheir daily motivation, or even their feelings of sleepiness during the day. Participants also answered questions about the motivation and enthusiasm they feel on a daily basis. In addition to these questionnaires, their walking speed was measured, as slower walking is one of the first signs of this pre-dementia syndrome.
After accounting for other factors that may influence the risk of motor cognitive risk syndrome, such as age, depression and other health problems, researchers found that “people suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness and lack of enthusiasm were more than three times more likely to develop the syndrome than those who did not have these sleep-related problems”, indicates the press release. “Our results highlight the need to screen for sleep problems”said the study’s lead author, Victoire Leroy, of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. “It’s possible that people can get help for their sleep problems and prevent cognitive decline later in life”, she underlines through a press release.
How to prevent dementia?
Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It brings together several forms of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s diseasewhich affect memory, thinking and the ability to carry out daily tasks. “It mainly affects older people, but not all older people are affected.”. Indeed, in addition to age, other factors increase the risk of dementia, such ashypertensionthe diabetessmoking, air pollution andisolement social. Dementia is progressive and can include memory loss, difficulty orienting yourself, and mood changes. The WHO recalls that the risk of dementia can be prevented by “being physically active, not smoking, avoiding harmful use of alcohol, controlling weight, eating healthy foods, and maintaining adequate blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels”.
Sources :
- Sleepiness during the day may be linked to pre-dementia syndrome – Communiqué de presse – American academy of neurology – 6 novembre 2024
- Association of Sleep Disturbances With Prevalent and Incident Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome in Community-Residing Older Adults – Neurology – 6 novembre 2024
- Dementia – World Health Organization – March 15, 2023
- Daytime sleepiness: definition, causes and risk factors – Health Insurance website – July 31, 2023
