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New Study Finds Troubling Link Between Unintentional Napping And Dementia
HuffPost • • health
Key Points:
- A Johns Hopkins study found that frequent, unintentional napping in adults aged 65 and older is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, with daily nappers showing a 48% increased risk compared to those who rarely or never nap.
- The study emphasizes that napping itself does not cause dementia; rather, frequent unintentional naps may be an early marker of brain changes related to dementia.
- Intentional, longer naps are not linked to increased dementia risk and can be beneficial, especially after poor nighttime sleep, with experts suggesting about 45 minutes as an ideal nap duration.
- Unintentional daytime dozing is not a normal part of aging and may indicate underlying health issues such as obstructive sleep apnea, warranting medical consultation.
- Advances in dementia research and treatment are ongoing, and early diagnosis can help patients and families access appropriate therapies and interventions.
