Does Poor Sleep Increase the Risk of Dementia?

Researchers have found that sleep problems may be an early sign of Alzheimer's. According to a study published on an online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, people who experience poor sleep have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia later in life. Specifically, the study shows that people who get less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep may be at risk. During REM sleep, your eyes begin to move side-to-side (rapidly), your body heats, your breathing and pulse begin to quicken, then you begin to dream due to your brain being more active during this stage of sleep.

The study shows that those who experience sleep disturbance have higher levels of beta-amyloid (amyloid plaques), a protein that forms a sticky plaque that kills brain cells and destroy synapses. Synapses are the connections between nerve cells. They are important to memory and information processing. The research indicated that those who sleep well reduce their levels of beta amyloid, clearing their brains of the protein. The research indicated another protein called tau, the protein responsible for cell stability, may also get damaged because of poor sleep. Poor sleep can cause tangles formed by damaged tau.

The researchers suggest that further future research will be needed to determine if REM sleep helps or damages the brain.

Read more at Neurology®.

Seniors and Sleep Patterns

For seniors over the age of 65, sleeping may be an issue. Part of that issue is poor sleeping patterns. Many seniors often wake up during the night or have trouble falling asleep. Common causes of sleep related issues include:

• Poor sleep habits – This can be caused by irregular sleep hours, falling asleep in front the TV, or increased movement before bed. Another cause may be the sleeping environment. Seniors may not feel as comfortable.
• Medical illnesses – Some illnesses seniors may face could cause them to not be able to sleep properly. Contact your doctor if you or your loved one may be experiencing difficulties sleeping.
• Medications – Certain medications can prevent a senior from sleeping or even cause them to sleep at irregular times. It’s important to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing trouble sleeping caused by your medications.
• Mood changes such anxiety or depression – Most seniors often stay up at night due to feelings of depression or anxiety. It’s important that seniors get enough social interaction during the day to reduce these feelings.

How Right at Home Palm Beach can help

According to the National Sleep Foundation, the amount of sleep seniors may need varies. It is recommended that seniors get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. It is also recommended that seniors stay active and follow a regular fitness routine. With our Wellness Program, we can develop a healthy strategy to ensure that your loved one stays fitness and get a good night’s rest. Our trained and professional caregivers can help seniors develop a consistent and healthy sleep pattern.

To learn more about sleep patterns for seniors, please contact Bruce Gropper at (561) 440-2273, or visit us at Right at Home Palm Beach at 8461 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, FL, 33467.

About Right at Home Palm Beach

Right at Home Palm Beach provides senior in-home care services in Boynton Beach, Greenacres, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Riviera Beach, West Palm Beach, and Wellington.