Feeling extra tired lately? Discover the unexpected pre-dementia sign you shouldn’t ignore!
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
As we gracefully navigate the golden years, it's not uncommon to feel a bit more tired than we used to. A leisurely pace and the occasional afternoon nap become cherished parts of our routine.
But what if that extra sleepiness isn't just a sign of a well-earned rest but a subtle nudge from our body that something more serious is on the horizon?
This is the question posed by recent research that suggests excessive daytime sleepiness could be an early warning sign of pre-dementia. What should we know about this?
Researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York have shed light on a potential link between daytime drowsiness and motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome—a condition that often precedes dementia.
Their study, which involved 445 adults over the age of 65, found that those who reported excessive sleepiness during the day were more likely to develop MCR.
Participants were monitored once a year for an average of three years, during which they provided information about their memory, sleep habits, and daily activities. Their walking speed was also measured, as a slower gait is one of the hallmarks of MCR.
Astonishingly, over a third of those who experienced excessive daytime sleepiness went on to develop MCR, compared to just 6.7% of those without these symptoms.
The implications of this study are significant. It suggests that feeling unusually tired during the day or lacking motivation for daily activities could be early indicators of cognitive decline.
This is particularly important for us in the senior community, as early detection of dementia risk factors can lead to interventions that may slow or even prevent the progression of the disease.
The researchers emphasize “...the need for an early screening of sleep disturbances as a potential preventive intervention for cognitive decline.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing increased sleepiness or a lack of enthusiasm for day-to-day tasks, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional. Addressing sleep issues now could have a profound impact on your future cognitive health.
MCR is characterized by cognitive complaints, particularly related to memory, and a slower walking speed.
While not all individuals with MCR will develop dementia, the condition is seen as a precursor, with those affected being three times more likely to progress to dementia than the general population. Vascular dementia, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, is a common outcome.
"More research needs to be done to look at the relationship between sleep issues and cognitive decline and the role played by motoric cognitive risk syndrome," remarks geriatrician and lead author of the study Victoire Leroy.
So, what can we do with this information?
First and foremost, we should take our sleep seriously. If you're experiencing increased daytime sleepiness, it's not just a matter of getting more nighttime rest. It could be a sign to seek medical advice and potentially undergo sleep studies or other evaluations.
As we gracefully navigate the golden years, it's not uncommon to feel a bit more tired than we used to. A leisurely pace and the occasional afternoon nap become cherished parts of our routine.
But what if that extra sleepiness isn't just a sign of a well-earned rest but a subtle nudge from our body that something more serious is on the horizon?
This is the question posed by recent research that suggests excessive daytime sleepiness could be an early warning sign of pre-dementia. What should we know about this?
Researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York have shed light on a potential link between daytime drowsiness and motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome—a condition that often precedes dementia.
Their study, which involved 445 adults over the age of 65, found that those who reported excessive sleepiness during the day were more likely to develop MCR.
Participants were monitored once a year for an average of three years, during which they provided information about their memory, sleep habits, and daily activities. Their walking speed was also measured, as a slower gait is one of the hallmarks of MCR.
Elderly individuals who experience excessive sleepiness or a lack of motivation during the day may have a higher risk of developing pre-dementia syndrome called motoric cognitive risk (MCR). Image source: Pexels.
Astonishingly, over a third of those who experienced excessive daytime sleepiness went on to develop MCR, compared to just 6.7% of those without these symptoms.
The implications of this study are significant. It suggests that feeling unusually tired during the day or lacking motivation for daily activities could be early indicators of cognitive decline.
This is particularly important for us in the senior community, as early detection of dementia risk factors can lead to interventions that may slow or even prevent the progression of the disease.
The researchers emphasize “...the need for an early screening of sleep disturbances as a potential preventive intervention for cognitive decline.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing increased sleepiness or a lack of enthusiasm for day-to-day tasks, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional. Addressing sleep issues now could have a profound impact on your future cognitive health.
MCR is characterized by cognitive complaints, particularly related to memory, and a slower walking speed.
While not all individuals with MCR will develop dementia, the condition is seen as a precursor, with those affected being three times more likely to progress to dementia than the general population. Vascular dementia, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, is a common outcome.
"More research needs to be done to look at the relationship between sleep issues and cognitive decline and the role played by motoric cognitive risk syndrome," remarks geriatrician and lead author of the study Victoire Leroy.
So, what can we do with this information?
First and foremost, we should take our sleep seriously. If you're experiencing increased daytime sleepiness, it's not just a matter of getting more nighttime rest. It could be a sign to seek medical advice and potentially undergo sleep studies or other evaluations.
