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This Nighttime Habit Could Be A Key Indicator Of Dementia. Neurologists Explain The Warning Signs
Yahoo Health • • health
Key Points:
- A study published in Neurology found that excessive daytime sleepiness in adults aged 65 and older is linked to a higher risk of developing motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), a precursor to dementia.
- Participants with extreme daytime sleepiness were five times more likely (35%) to develop MCR compared to those without such sleepiness (6.7%).
- Poor sleep impairs the brain's glymphatic system, which removes waste products during sleep, potentially increasing dementia risk, according to neurologists W. Christopher Winter, MD, and Verna Porter, MD.
- While the exact cause and prevention of dementia remain unclear, maintaining regular, sufficient sleep and following CDC recommendations such as physical activity and managing health conditions may help lower risk.
- The NIH suggests good sleep hygiene practices—including consistent sleep schedules, exercise, limited caffeine and electronics before bed, and a comfortable sleep environment—to improve sleep quality and potentially reduce dementia risk.
