Older people who frequently experience excessive daytime sleepiness or lack motivation to perform daily activities are at high risk of developing early-onset dementia, which can progress to dementia later in life.
Research could help medical professionals detect the risk of dementia at an early stage - Photo: Sleep Doctor
According to Science Alert , this is the result of a new study by scientists at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. They compared the phenomenon of daytime sleepiness with signs of early dementia syndrome - occasional memory problems and slower gait.
The link between sleep and dementia
This research could help health professionals detect dementia risk at an early stage, when preventive measures can still be taken to stop the disease from progressing.
"Our study results highlight the need to screen for sleep problems, which can help prevent cognitive decline in later life," said lead author, geriatrician Victoire Leroy.
In the study, Leroy and colleagues recruited 445 adults over 65 years old, without dementia, with an average age of 76.
Each year, for an average of three years, the participants completed questionnaires about their memory, sleep patterns, and daily activities. At the same time, their walking speed was monitored on a treadmill.
During the study period, 35.5% of those classified as having excessive daytime sleepiness and lack of enthusiasm for daily activities developed early dementia.
The earlier detection, the greater the chance of prevention.
Although the study did not prove a direct link, it suggests that in some people, excessive sleepiness and feeling sluggish during the day may be a sign of early dementia.
People with these symptoms are three times more likely to have the syndrome, even after taking into account factors such as age, gender and certain health problems, including depression.
Early detection of dementia has now been shown to be more effective in preventing it.
People with early-onset dementia are three times more likely to develop dementia than the general population, according to previous research. In particular, they are at higher risk of developing vascular dementia – a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
Taking all these factors together, we may be identifying an early warning sign of dementia risk in some people, although more information is needed about why and how this link occurs.
The study was published in the journal Neurology , of the American Academy of Neurology.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/buon-ngu-qua-muc-ban-ngay-co-the-bao-hieu-sa-sut-tri-tue-som-20241128113619623.htm
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