A recent study indicates that older adults, particularly those in their seventies, who experience sleep issues are at a heightened risk of developing motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), which can ultimately lead to dementia.

Conducted by researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the study tracked 445 participants with an average age of 76 over a three-year period, focusing on their sleep patterns and cognitive assessments.

Interestingly, daytime dysfunction emerged as the only sleep component significantly linked to MCR, prompting questions about whether sleep issues lead to cognitive decline or if early dementia disrupts sleep.

Experts recommend improving sleep hygiene, managing stress, and seeking treatment for sleep disorders to help protect cognitive health.

In addition to sleep, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can further reduce the risk of dementia.

The research found that 35.5% of participants suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness and lack of enthusiasm developed MCR, compared to just 6.7% of those without these symptoms.

The findings suggest that poor sleepers have a 1.6 times higher risk of developing MCR compared to good sleepers, although this estimate carries some uncertainty.

Participants' sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which assessed various factors such as sleep duration, difficulties falling asleep, and daytime dysfunction.

The study controlled for multiple factors, including age and depression, reinforcing the connection between excessive sleepiness and cognitive risk.

Older adults are advised to aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night, as good sleep practices are essential for maintaining cognitive function.

Dr. Wendy Troxel emphasized the need to differentiate between sleep problems and depression when considering their impact on MCR.

Supported by the National Institute on Aging, the study highlights the importance of addressing sleep disorders, which are often under-diagnosed and under-treated in older populations.