Sleep deprivation has been linked to various health conditions, including dementia. Dementia is a general term for the deterioration of cognitive function and can include conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. A recent study found that sleep deprivation may play a role in the development of dementia. The leading convalescent care Edmonton has some useful info for you;
The Whitehall 2 Study
Lasting from 1981-2006, the Whitehall 2 Study explored the relationship between sleep and dementia.
The Methodology
Study participants were asked to record their sleep hours each night. Then, subjects met with researchers every 5-10 years to pass along the collected data. The researchers also collected sleep data from subjects' fitness trackers to adjust for potential inaccuracies in participants' reporting. Finally, researchers used public health records to determine the number of participants diagnosed with dementia.
The Results
Subjects who slept less than seven hours per night had a 63% higher risk of developing dementia. Conversely, participants who slept eight or more hours nightly appeared to be at no increased risk for cognitive decline. Additionally, the Whitehall 2 Study found that transitioning from not getting enough sleep in younger years to slumbering at least seven hours a night reduces the risk of dementia.
Sleep Disorders And Dementia
Sleep disorders are conditions that adversely affect sleep patterns. There appears to be a relationship between specific sleep disorders and the odds of developing a specific dementia disease. Commonly called sleep apnea, a sleep breathing disorder is an airway obstruction that interferes with normal sleep patterns. Scientists suspect a kinship between sleep apnea and dementia. One theory is that the momentary cessation of breathing reduces the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain.
Lewy Body Dementia And Light Sleep Disorders
Someone talking in their sleep or physically reacting to a dream can indicate Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RMD), also known as a light sleep disorder. The National Institute On Aging suggests a connection between RMD and a Lewy body build-up in the brain.
Lewy body dementia is the most common form of dementia and appears to result from proteins called Lewy bodies attaching themselves to the brain cells. Lewy body proteins are also found in the gray matter of people with Parkinson's.
Sleep-Wake Cycle Disorders & Alzheimer’s
Sleep-Wake Cycle Disorder is a disruption of the Circadian rhythms that govern sleep. Symptoms of SWCD include an inability to sleep at night.
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Inability to stay asleep
- Fatigue and dozing during the day
Research has shown a potential link between sleep-wake cycle disorders and amyloid plaque build-up in the brain. The accumulation of amyloids is a suspected cause of Alzheimer's disease. The theory that poor sleep contributes to the formation of amyloid plaque is supported by studies that have shown that getting sufficient sleep reduces Alzheimer's risk.
Sleeping Disorders require professional care.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sleep deprivation, it is essential to seek medical attention or the assistance of a sleep specialist. Additionally, persons with dementia can benefit from convalescent care. Convalescent care is a form of short-term care that assists individuals in recovering from illness or injury. It can provide the necessary relaxation to enhance the quality and quantity of sleep. Please visit Convalescent Care Edmonton, AB if you are looking for a Convalescent Care Home
