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Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep are Associated with Greater Cognitive Decline in Older Men without Dementia

Yue Leng1, Terri Blackwell2, Katie L Stone2

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA.

Sleep
|August 30, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Higher frequency of periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) is linked to cognitive decline in older men. This includes a greater risk of developing significant cognitive impairment, especially affecting executive function.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are common in older adults.
  • The impact of PLMS on cognitive function in non-demented older men requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) and cognitive changes in community-dwelling older men.
  • To determine if PLMS frequency predicts cognitive decline, particularly in executive function.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 2,636 older men without dementia underwent in-home polysomnography.
  • Periodic limb movement index (PLMI) and arousal index (PLMAI) were measured.
  • Random-effects models and logistic regression analyzed the association between PLMI, PLMAI, and 3- to 4-year cognitive change.

Main Results:

  • Higher PLMI was associated with greater decline in executive function, as measured by the Trail Making Test - Part B.
  • Men with a PLMI ≥ 30 were 48% more likely to develop significant cognitive impairment.
  • No significant associations were found for PLMAI or Modified Mini-Mental State Examination scores.

Conclusions:

  • Increased frequency of PLMS is associated with accelerated cognitive decline in older men without dementia.
  • Executive function appears particularly vulnerable to the effects of higher PLMS.
  • PLMS may represent a modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment in aging populations.
Keywords:
PLMScognitioncognitive declineperiodic limb movementspolysomnography

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