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Sleep-Wake Disturbances and Episodic Memory in Older Adults.
An-Yun Yeh1, Susan J Pressler2, Donna Algase3
1Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, 5924Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
Biological Research for Nursing
|July 11, 2020
Summary
Objective sleep disruption negatively impacts older adults' episodic memory, while perceived daytime sleepiness may be protective. Cognitive reserve and depression did not alter this relationship.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Sleep-wake disturbances are linked to episodic memory loss in older adults.
- Previous research often relied on single measures, limiting understanding.
- Cognitive reserve and depressive symptoms may influence this relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between episodic memory and sleep-wake disturbances using both objective and perceived measures in older adults.
- To explore if cognitive reserve and depressive symptoms moderate this association.
Main Methods:
- 62 healthy older adults (mean age 69.9 years) participated.
- Objective sleep-wake patterns were assessed via 7-day actigraphy.
- Perceived sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, respectively.
- Episodic memory was evaluated using the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised.
Main Results:
- Greater objective sleep disruption correlated with poorer episodic memory performance.
- Increased perceived daytime sleepiness was associated with better episodic memory.
- Cognitive reserve and depressive symptoms did not significantly moderate the sleep-memory relationship.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between sleep-wake disturbances and episodic memory in older adults depends on the measurement method (objective vs. perceived).
- Objective sleep disruption appears detrimental, while subjective daytime sleepiness might be beneficial for episodic memory.
- Further research with diverse samples and multiple episodic memory assessments is warranted.
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