Sleepy during the day? This could be a warning sign of dementia, study says

Feeling sleepy during the day could be a sign of a more serious issue for certain groups, according to a recent study published in the journal Neurology. The study revealed a potential link between daytime sleepiness in older individuals and an increased risk of developing motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), a condition that can precede dementia.

Researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York conducted a study with 445 participants, with an average age of 76, who did not have dementia. The participants were asked about memory problems and were assessed for walking speed on treadmills. They also completed a sleep assessment to determine any sleeping issues, patterns, and medications.

The findings showed that individuals who reported a lack of enthusiasm for activities and experienced daytime sleepiness were more than three times as likely to develop MCR. This condition can lead to slower walking speeds and memory problems, and can occur before the onset of dementia.

The study highlighted the importance of screening for sleep issues and addressing them early to potentially prevent cognitive decline later in life. Dr. Victoire Leroy, one of the study authors, emphasized the need for further research to explore the relationship between sleep problems and cognitive decline.

While the study had some limitations, such as relying on self-reported sleep information from participants, the results still indicated that sleep-related daytime impairment remained a significant risk factor for MCR even after adjusting for depression. Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel commented on the study, noting that promoting sleep health may be a crucial strategy in reducing the risk of dementia.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of addressing sleep issues and seeking treatment for disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea, which are often under-diagnosed and under-treated. By prioritizing sleep health, individuals may be able to mitigate the risk of cognitive decline and improve overall well-being.

For more health-related articles, you can visit www.foxnews.com/health.