Sleep-wake changes and cognition in neurodegenerative disease
Sharon L Naismith1, Simon J G Lewis, Naomi L Rogers
1Healthy Brain Ageing Clinic, Ageing Brain Centre, Brain & Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. sharon.naismith@sydney.edu.au
Progress in Brain Research
|May 3, 2011
Summary
Sleep disturbances are common in neurodegenerative disorders and can predict cognitive decline. More research is needed on sleep and cognitive function to develop early interventions for aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Neurodegenerative disorders are increasing with the aging population.
- These disorders impact cognition, mood, and physical functions.
- Sleep and circadian rhythm changes are common in neurodegenerative diseases and often serve as early indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the commonality and significance of sleep-wake changes in neurodegenerative disorders.
- To emphasize the need for further research integrating sleep assessments with cognitive evaluations.
- To explore potential early intervention strategies for cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sleep, circadian rhythms, and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Discussion of the relationship between sleep-wake disturbances and cognitive, psychiatric, and functional outcomes.
- Identification of research gaps in polysomnography and neuropsychological assessments.
Main Results:
- Sleep-wake changes are frequently observed in neurodegenerative diseases.
- These changes are prodromal and predictive of various clinical outcomes, including cognitive decline.
- Limited studies have comprehensively assessed sleep and neurocognition together.
Conclusions:
- Sleep-wake disturbances are significant features of neurodegenerative disorders with prognostic value.
- Further research integrating detailed sleep and neurocognitive assessments is crucial.
- Targeted interventions for sleep may offer a pathway to mitigate cognitive decline in older adults.
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