A RECENT study highlights how sleep disturbances, especially daytime dysfunction, excessive sleepiness and lower enthusiasm, may significantly increase the risk of motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome in older adults. The study, by Victoire Leroy et al., examined sleep patterns and cognitive function in community-residing adults aged 65 and older without dementia, finding a clear link between sleep issues and the onset of MCR, a precursor to dementia characterized by cognitive complaints and slow gait speed.
The study evaluated 445 older adults, defining poor sleep using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and dividing participants into “good” and “poor” sleeper categories. Poor sleepers faced a notably higher likelihood of developing MCR. However, after adjusting for depressive symptoms, the association weakened slightly. The researchers identified daytime dysfunction as the most significant sleep-related risk factor.
Over nearly 3 years, 36 participants developed MCR, demonstrating the importance of recognizing sleep quality as a factor in cognitive decline. Notably, poor sleep quality did not correlate with prevalent MCR, indicating that sleep disturbances may be more predictive of new cases of cognitive decline rather than existing ones. These findings underscore the potential of targeted sleep interventions to mitigate cognitive risks.
For healthcare providers, this research reinforces the need for comprehensive sleep assessments in older patients, especially for those experiencing daytime dysfunction. Early interventions may help reduce the risk of MCR, ultimately supporting better cognitive health outcomes in aging populations.
Reference: Leroy V et al. Association of sleep disturbances with prevalent and incident motoric cognitive risk syndrome in community-residing older adults. Neurology. 2024;103(11).
Anaya Malik | AMJ
