(NewsNation) — Older people experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness may be more prone to developing a predementia syndrome, according to a study published Wednesday by the American Academy of Neurology.
Predementia is a term used to describe the cognitive impairment symptoms in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms include slow walking speed and memory issues that have not developed into full mobility disability or dementia.
Researchers observed people older than 65 who do not have dementia in the Bronx, New York.
“Our findings emphasize the need for screening for sleep issues,” said study author Dr. Victoire Leroy to EurekAlert!, a nonprofit news platform operated by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. “There’s potential that people could get help with their sleep issues and prevent cognitive decline later in life.”
Patients who experienced excessive daytime sleepiness and lack of enthusiasm were three times more likely to develop motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), a predementia syndrome, than those who did not have sleep-related problems. The researchers adjusted the data for other factors, such as age, depression or other health conditions, that could affect their sleep.
Leroy said, “We also need studies to explain the mechanisms that link these sleep disturbances to motoric cognitive risk syndrome and cognitive decline.”